Pascal Ibgui, a contestant from The Golden Bachelorette, has made the decision to decline the opportunity to participate in Golden Bachelor in Paradise. His reasoning is quite straightforward: he simply lacks interest in any of the women from the Golden Bachelor franchise. However, I propose that a key adjustment could revive and enhance this show. During his journey on The Golden Bachelorette, Pascal reached the final three with Joan Vassos but chose to self-eliminate, recognizing that his feelings did not align with a romantic connection towards her.
In a recent announcement during the finale of **The Bachelor** season 29, host Jesse Palmer revealed that the upcoming season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise will introduce a Golden Bachelor in Paradise edition. This unique twist incorporates contestants from both The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette. As of now, Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston have been confirmed as participants, yet Pascal has opted out, a choice that may seem logical to many. Still, one simple fix could address the concerns he has raised regarding the show’s format.
Why Is Pascal Ibgui Opting Out of Golden Bachelor in Paradise?
Pascal’s Disinterest in the Golden Bachelor Women
In a recent interview on the “I Do, Part 2″podcast, Pascal opened up about his decision to turn down the opportunity to join Golden Bachelor in Paradise, citing several reasons. He expressed, “Number one, I just don’t think it’s a good fit for who I am as a person. I mean, I just don’t think me being on the beach with a bunch of senior citizens—which I am… I don’t want to criticize anybody because that’s not my personality.”
Interestingly, Pascal mentioned that while he hadn’t previously watched The Golden Bachelor, he tuned in to Gerry Turner’s season after his daughter encouraged him to apply for The Golden Bachelorette. This led to him realizing he had no romantic interests among the women in The Golden Bachelor. However, he speculated that he might have reconsidered participating if there were fresh contestants added to the mix.
Pascal also clarified that his initial motivation for joining The Golden Bachelorette was to pursue a relationship with Joan. He stated, “I don’t need my five minutes of fame. I don’t need the glories. I don’t need to be on TV. I live a beautiful life. So I said if it’s not that person, I’m not gonna do it.”
Interestingly, he indicated that he may be open to stepping into the role of the next Golden Bachelor but did so while deriding other contestants. He remarked, “If they were offering me the Golden Bachelor, that would be a different scenario since that aligns more closely with who I am compared to being on the beach with a bunch of guys who I could care less about.”
The Need for New Contestants in Golden Bachelor in Paradise
Insights from Bachelor in Paradise Canada
In its inaugural season, The Golden Bachelor showcased 22 women vying for Gerry Turner’s affection. Although Theresa Nist emerged victorious, the couple, who celebrated their wedding in January 2024, announced their divorce just three months later. This development leaves a pool of 21 potential women contestants for Golden Bachelor in Paradise, particularly as Joan has since become engaged to Chock Chapple after The Golden Bachelorette.
The eligible Golden Bachelor women for the upcoming season include Leslie, Theresa, Faith Martin, Ellen Goltzer, Sandra Mason, and many more. However, it’s important to note that April has recently confirmed her relationship with someone, and the status of other contestants remains unclear.
Unlike the traditional format seen in Bachelor in Paradise, which benefits from a vast array of contestants from numerous Bachelor and Bachelorette seasons, Golden Bachelor in Paradise faces limitations in its pool of candidates. Pascal’s decision not to participate resonates with the reality that both parties may decline involvement if they don’t feel a connection within their respective groups. Thus, enhancing the show’s appeal by introducing new contestants could become a pivotal strategy.
For instance, Bachelor in Paradise Canada successfully integrated participants from both the Canadian and American versions of the franchise, refreshing its format by adding contestants who have never been part of any previous shows. This expansion brought an unexpected twist that increased excitement and intrigue for fans. By embracing a similar approach, Golden Bachelor in Paradise could broaden its roster and enhance viewer engagement.
It’s a significant possibility that not only Pascal but other contestants from The Golden Bachelorette may choose to opt out for similar reasons. To enhance the show’s dynamics and restore excitement, introducing fresh Golden contestants could be the most effective solution. This adjustment has the potential to revive the concept, fostering meaningful connections and enriching the viewing experience.
Golden Bachelor in Paradise is set to debut in the summer of 2025 on ABC.
Source: I Do, Part 2/Apple Podcasts