Reality: The Bachelor
…violets are blue. Thirty women want The Bachelor Nick Viall to say, “This last one’s for you.”
The Bachelor Season 21 Saturdays Vuzu AMP (*103) 18:30
Nick Viall is a good guy looking for love in season 21 of reality dating show The Bachelor (2002- current). But the 36-year- old is terrified that it’s not going to work out this time either – he was runner-up twice in spin-off shows The Bachelorette (2003- current; in 2014 and 2015) and he was dumped out of 2016’s season 3 of Bachelor In Paradise (2014- current). “I was given this opportunity, to be on the other side of the Rose Ceremony,” says the ex- computer software exec when we phoned him in LA. “This was something I just couldn’t pass on.”
You struck out three times before. Isn’t it time to give up? [Laughs] No way! Did your previous experiences help you though? You know, it did and it didn’t. You are prepared because you know how the game is played, how certain aspects take place and why. But at the same time, ignorance can be helpful when you are not too familiar with things in the show.
You’re dishing out roses now – what else is different? It’s draining! In episode 1, because you’re “The Bachelor”, you’ve got to do 30 conversations with the 30 women. You have to be there for everything, involved with every bit of filming. By the end of the night, you want your bed. But later in the show, when you say goodbye to one of five ladies, you’re emotionally drained because you’ve now bonded with them. That was interesting to me. Was there a stand-out moment? [Laughs] Oh boy! Definitely when Liz [Elizabeth Sandoz] showed up. I was not expecting that at all. I was actually shocked. [Their one-night-stand at a wedding ended on a sour note.] You’re pretty affectionate – there’s lots of hugging and kissing going on and even the odd tear… [Laughs] Really? I hadn’t noticed. It must be subconscious and subtle things. I was raised to be attentive to my date’s needs, affectionate. We are on episode 4 in South Africa but filming is wrapped. Is it difficult keeping the secret [about who wins]?
Not really. [Laughs]. You know, I go on with my day-to- day life. My friends and family know not to ask. It can be fun knowing that I know what everyone wants to know [Laughs]. What is a day-to-day routine like for The Bachelor?
Filming non-stop. But now that we’re done [the finale episodes 12 and 13 should air mid-May in SA] there are obligations, like this interview. I’ve also opened an online men’s grooming line called Polished Gent and I try to hang out with friends. I’m originally from Wisconsin [in the Midwest] and I’ve been spending a lot of time out here in Los Angeles. So where does that leave your TV career? I’ve just been announced for the next season of [reality dance competition show] Dancing With The Stars (2005current) but you know, I never came here with the intention of being a TV star. That’s not my career or my aim. Sure, if things happen, great. But if this whole thing ends tomorrow, cool, not the end of the world. Describe your dating experience on TV in one word.
Crazy! Crazy but fun [Laughs].
LOVE RESTART
Fans got a spoiler when Rachel Lindsay was revealed as The Bachelorette (2003- current) for season 13 (2017) – she was still trying to snag Nick on The Bachelor, so it’s obvious she was on the way out. But Nick is excited: “It’s fantastic for her and I’m looking forward to the energy that she will bring to the [spin- off] show.”