The Golden Bachelor Australia, hosted by Samantha Armytage, has been pushed back to a September release. Fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting a second season after the debut garnered strong ratings last year, when Barry 'Bear' Myrden found love with Sunny Long. However, it appears viewers may have to wait longer than anticipated, as reports indicate the 2026 show has been delayed twice, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Bachelor Cast and Public Interest
Meanwhile, the second season is already generating audience interest, as one of the Bachelors has quickly become the talk of the town. This year, Nine producers have cast two leading men: Solar D co-founder Mathew Collett and contract logistics manager Ed Savage. While Savage has largely stayed under the radar, Collett has quickly become a headline generator for the series.
The father-of-three, 58, has had a colorful love life, being linked to a string of high-profile women over the years. Former Network Seven personality Adene Cassidy, PR guru Sally Burleigh, and heiress Sophie Ward are just a few names that have been associated with Collett. However, sources close to Collett have said he is far from the playboy some might believe him to be.
'Firstly, he has been a very devoted father to his three kids, who are now in their 20s,' an insider close to Collett said. 'He has worked in and out of media long enough to know he was going to get attention no matter what. He is mostly concerned about how it impacts his family.'
Daily Mail has reached out to Nine for comment.
Noise Complaints Disrupt Filming
It comes after police and council rangers were called to The Golden Bachelor mansion in Sydney earlier this year amid a dispute between producers and neighbors over noise complaints. Residents were reportedly fed up with the late-night karaoke sessions and all-night parties taking place at the mansion during filming of the Channel Nine reality show.
Tensions reportedly boiled over in February when one neighbor retaliated by blasting a trumpet from their backyard in protest. One local said the disruption had been constant since the production crew arrived earlier in the month.
'Originally you heard them building frames and installing all the lights. But what really tipped me over the edge was the first night they met the Bachelor,' the resident said. 'It was a Tuesday night, they were up partying until 4am. I woke up thinking it was kids screaming, but it was the women doing karaoke and yahooing. It is beyond disrespectful. They have huge speakers and have even had live bands.'
A City of Sydney spokesman confirmed in a statement that there were 'several' complaints from residents living near the waterfront mansion. 'As a result of these complaints, City of Sydney staff met with the production company to discuss standard noise limits,' the spokesman said. 'We will continue to monitor the production to ensure filming remains compliant and residential amenity is maintained.'
A letter was sent to surrounding residents by Warner Bros, assuring them music would no longer be played after discussions with council and police.
