Barry 'Bear' Myrden made a concerted effort to maintain a low profile as he was spotted at Sydney International Airport ahead of the highly anticipated season finale of The Golden Bachelor.
Airport Sightings and Travel Preparations
The 61-year-old reality star arrived at the airport alongside the programme's host, Samantha Armytage, as the pair prepared to embark on their journey to South Africa. This comes ahead of what promises to be an explosive conclusion to the show's inaugural season.
Both individuals attempted to evade photographers while navigating through the terminal and approaching the check-in desk. This airport appearance follows earlier romance rumours that circulated when the pair attended the Logies awards ceremony together earlier this year.
Fashion Choices and Incognito Attempts
Bear opted for a distinctly summery outfit for his travel day, sporting a blue button-up shirt featuring a white palm tree print. He wore the shirt unbuttoned halfway, revealing a glimpse of his chest. The senior bachelor completed his ensemble with chino trousers, comfortable sneakers and sunglasses in what appeared to be a genuine attempt to remain unrecognised.
His on-screen colleague Samantha, aged 49, embraced a more relaxed airport aesthetic while checking in her luggage. She layered a practical cargo bomber jacket over a simple white t-shirt paired with classic jeans. The television personality accessorised with sunglasses hooked onto her shirt and opted for comfortable footwear, showcasing her effortlessly chic casual style.
Samantha wore her golden hair in soft waves that cascaded across her shoulders, while maintaining minimal, natural-looking makeup for the travel day. The Nine Network star was seen managing a black duffel bag alongside a Velani Couture garment bag, hinting at what will undoubtedly be a stunning ensemble for the programme's grand finale.
Recent Drama and Heartbreak on the Show
The airport sighting comes fresh from Sunday night's dramatic episode, which saw transformation coach Jan Herdman, aged 66, experience heartbreak after Bear rejected her advances. The emotional moment followed what had appeared to be a particularly romantic date.
In a significant gesture, the Golden Bachelor had personally selected Jan to accompany him to a private ballet performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House. During their time together, the pair engaged in a heartfelt discussion about their previous romantic experiences and past loves.
Viewers witnessed the couple bonding and embracing during the ballet performance, with Jan later opening up emotionally to a seemingly understanding Bear. "How come I have been single for so long? I was badly burned, there was infidelity. He couldn't understand why he couldn't have both her and I," an emotional Jan confessed to Bear during their intimate conversation.
Bear responded sympathetically, saying "Really? That must have been tough," as they continued to snuggle on a comfortable couch. Jan later revealed to production staff that she genuinely believed they had established a meaningful connection, expressing hope that they could further develop their relationship.
Unfortunately for Jan, while Bear acknowledged feeling some connection, he identified stronger bonds with three other contestants - Sunny, Kim and Janette - ultimately leading to Jan's elimination at the episode's conclusion.
Bear admitted to Jan during their farewell, "This is so hard, so absolutely loved the ballet and jumping into everything feet first." A visibly disappointed Jan later reflected, "I wanted a rose tonight, I wanted to continue the journey. But I am really proud that I put myself in a position where I am vulnerable. It's been a growing process for me. I definitely deserve love and I know that."
