Bachelor in Paradise Season 10: Golden Franchise Contestants Join the Fun
Exciting news for fans of ABC’s popular reality series, Bachelor in Paradise! Host Jesse Palmer revealed on the March 24, 2025 episode of The Bachelor that this season will feature contestants from the Golden franchise. Among the summer 2025 lineup are Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston, both well-known from their respective seasons of The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette. They will join Zoe McGrady from The Bachelor season 29, as well as Jonathan Johnson and Hakeem Moulton from The Bachelorette season 21.
This announcement was made during the After the Final Rose special, immediately following Grant Ellis’ heartfelt proposal to Juliana Pasquarosa. After a hiatus during the fall 2024 schedule, Bachelor in Paradise is gearing up to return, bringing back its signature tropical vibes with the added comfort of air conditioning in all filming locations, as confirmed by Palmer.
The Dynamic Duo: Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston
During the live broadcast of After the Final Rose, Jesse Palmer officially introduced Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston. Their addition marks a fresh integration of Golden franchise contestants into the Paradise experience.
Leslie Fhima, who nearly secured the coveted final rose in Gerry Turner’s season, expressed her enthusiasm for the beach atmosphere and eagerness to explore new romantic possibilities. Gary Levingston, a fan favorite from Joan Vassos’ season, hinted at his plans to showcase his dance skills while searching for love.
Meet the Contestants
The upcoming season promises a dynamic mix of personalities, featuring:
- Leslie Fhima (The Golden Bachelor)
- Gary Levingston (The Golden Bachelorette)
- Zoe McGrady (The Bachelor season 29)
- Jonathan Johnson (The Bachelorette season 21)
- Hakeem Moulton (The Bachelorette season 21)
Updates on Filming and Show Format
Jesse Palmer shed light on several changes to the traditional Bachelor in Paradise format. Filming will take place at an enhanced tropical beachfront site equipped with full air conditioning in the living areas, a first for the series. Moreover, Wells Adams will resume his beloved role as the bartender, a position he’s held since season 4, ensuring the bar remains a social hub for contestants.
This season marks a shift in scheduling, as the show originally aired its ninth season in December 2023 after a planned hiatus in the fall of 2024. These changes are aimed at refreshing the show for a summer 2025 debut while still retaining its beloved core structure.
Background on Contestants
Leslie Fhima captivated fans with her compelling journey to the final two in Gerry Turner’s season, building valuable friendships along the way. Meanwhile, Zoe McGrady made significant connections throughout Bachelor season 29, showcasing her impressive progression.
On The Bachelorette season 21, Jonathan Johnson formed a meaningful bond with Jenn Tran and received an unexpected Paradise invitation during her season’s Men Tell All episode in August 2024. Similarly, Hakeem Moulton accepted his invitation during the same event, expressing a desire to connect with former contestant Olivia Lewis.
Gary Levingston, known for his charming demeanor from The Golden Bachelorette, is anticipated to bring plenty of fun to the sandy shores with his dance moves.
While July 2024 saw the initial announcement of Bachelor in Paradise’s new season, no official release date has been assigned yet. However, the buzz on social media suggests that viewers can expect the show to debut this summer, reigniting their favorite island adventures.