“Bachelor in Paradise” Season 10 is making franchise history by inviting former stars from “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette” to join the sun-soaked drama.
Despite fans’ hopes for sparks between the older and younger contestants, only one surprising crossover has been confirmed so far.
Reality Steve Confirms Intergenerational Moment on ‘BIP’
According to Reality Steve, the franchise’s first intergenerational moment occurred between former Golden Bachelor contestant April Kirkwood, 67, and former Bachelorette contestant Sean McLaughlin, 28.
The two reportedly shared a kiss during a group challenge, though it appears to have been more spontaneous than romantic. “At some point during one of the challenges, Sean [McLaughlin] makes out with April Kirkwood,” Reality Steve wrote in an Instagram post. “So there is the first ‘crossover’ of the young cast and older cast. However, it doesn’t lead to anything in regards to dating or roses.”
He elaborated further on a July 7 episode of his podcast, saying, “Is there a hookup between a younger and an older? Yes. But I can say it doesn’t lead to, ‘Oh my gosh, these two are now a couple.’ I don’t know if it was a drunk thing, I don’t know if it was, ‘Hey, let’s just have fun,’ but there is a younger/older hookup, makeout session, whatever you want to call it.”
Paradise Gets Its First Golden Twist
ABC initially confirmed in June that contestants from “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette” would be joining the cast of “Bachelor in Paradise.” In an official announcement, the network revealed, “For the first time, the Goldens are hitting the beaches of ‘Bachelor in Paradise,’ proving that age is just a number as they bring their experience and a little extra spice to show the younger crowd how it’s done,”
While bringing in older contestants from “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette” adds a fresh twist to “Bachelor in Paradise,” the Goldens won’t arrive until Episode 3, airing Tuesday, July 15, according to the series’ Instagram.
Although the delay may disappoint fans eager for the shakeup, host Jesse Palmer explained that the late arrival was intentional. “It was a grand entrance,” Palmer told Swooon in an interview. “I’m happy we gave them their stage and their moment to kind of do that.”
Other Notable ‘Golden’ Highlights
While April and Sean’s kiss remains the only confirmed romantic interaction between the older and younger contestants, it wasn’t the only noteworthy crossover involving the “Golden Bachelor” alum.
According to Reality Steve, April later gave her rose to Jonathon Johnson — not out of romantic interest, but as a friendly gesture to help him stay in the competition after Alexee gave her rose to Andrew instead.
“Bachelor in Paradise” Season 10 premieres July 7 and will air Mondays and Tuesdays on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
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Does Anyone From ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Date a ‘Bachelor’ Contestant on ‘BIP’?