After months of intense speculation, the Golden Bachelor couple at the heart of Australia's most-watched romance have finally gone public, lifting the lid on an extraordinary secret they were forced to keep for seven long months.
The Secret Life of a TV Romance
Barry 'Bear' Myrden, the 61-year-old Northern Beaches infrastructure engineer, and his chosen partner, Sunny Long, 58, have revealed to the Daily Mail that their genuine connection began far earlier than viewers were led to believe. Their relationship was so tightly controlled by the show's producers that Bear lived in constant fear that Sunny would forget him during their enforced separation once filming stopped.
'When the cameras stopped rolling, I just said, "Do not forget about me",' Bear admitted, highlighting the emotional strain of their situation. The secrecy required extreme measures, with Bear confessing he had to save Sunny's number in his phone under a fake name to avoid detection. 'I can actually put her name in my phone now because the secret name would pop up,' he revealed with relief.
Sneaking Around Sydney and Late-Night Calls
Sunny confessed that the months spent undercover were far more challenging than anyone watching at home could possibly imagine. 'It was really hard. But he texted me and called me nearly every day. He is a really romantic guy,' she shared, explaining how they maintained their bond.
The couple described living a strange double life, sneaking around Sydney for producer-approved meet-ups that were 'few and far between,' according to Bear. All the while, promotional material for the show continued to keep the Australian public guessing about the final outcome. 'It is good to finally be able to have coffees together and breakfast,' Bear said, appreciating their new-found freedom.
The emotionally charged environment of the experience left Sunny completely vulnerable. 'I did not have any guards up at all,' she explained. 'My heart was sinking all the way down.' For Bear, there was never any doubt about the authenticity of his feelings. 'We both said, "I love you", so many times it is hard to know who said it first,' he laughed, though Sunny insisted she was likely the first to utter the powerful words.
Looking Forward to a Normal Life Together
Now that their secret is out, the couple says life finally feels 'normal' as they step out publicly together. Sunny confirmed she never once doubted the authenticity of her feelings. 'For me, definitely real and genuine,' she stated. 'I knew he was such a wonderful gentleman with a big heart.'
Bear described the entire experience as both surreal and 'bizarre.' 'You are pulled apart and told to live separate lives for months,' he continued. Despite this, his commitment never wavered. During the secret period, he sent her a poignant message: 'Please think of me from time to time' – a sentiment Sunny shared with her daughters.
The couple revealed that a private, producer-arranged romantic retreat truly sealed their connection. 'I packed two bags with board games and chess because we did not know what to expect,' Sunny recalled. 'But we talked nearly all night. Bear was so romantic and he listened intently because he cares.' Bear added, 'We did not need any of the board games,' hinting that their romance progressed significantly that evening.
Addressing the heartbreak of fellow contestant Janette during the dramatic mountainside finale, Bear said she was aware of the strength of his bond with Sunny. 'I gave her plenty of opportunities,' he said. 'She is a lovely person, but I know I made the right choice and I have no regrets.' Sunny expressed respect for Janette, admitting she had considered the possibility that Bear might choose her. 'If he did not choose me, I would be very sad,' she said. 'But I would be happy for him and even Janette, because everyone deserves true love.'
Looking ahead, the pair say they are taking things slowly and focusing on blending their families. 'We just want to integrate the two families together,' Bear said. 'Maybe plan something for Christmas. Just let it happen organically.' Sunny says Bear is even more romantic off-camera than viewers saw, and her feelings for him continue to grow. 'There is no question my feelings for him are getting bigger and bigger,' she said. 'It is not only his choice. It was my choice too.'
The couple watched the finale for the first time with the rest of Australia, with Bear hosting a screening for 80 neighbours and friends in his cul-de-sac. 'It portrayed us both in the truest form,' he said of the broadcast. Sunny added, 'He is so loved by his neighbours and friends. I feel privileged to be part of his community.'
