Cupid’s voice of reason
From rose ceremonies and emotional support for the bachelor, Jason Greer has his work cut out hosting The Bachelor SA.
It was no biggie when Jason Greer was asked if he would be interested in hosting reality dating show The Bachelor SA (2019- current). “It was a resounding yes when they asked me if I would be keen to do a screen test. Fortunately, the screen test went well because, well… I’m the host!” says Jason with a wicked smile. “As the host, my responsibility is to introduce the cocktail evenings, helping with the group date dynamics, giving Lee [Thompson, The Bachelor] emotional support, as well as overseeing the rose ceremonies.”
How long do rose ceremonies take to film? In the beginning it was pretty exhausting. The rose ceremonies and cocktail events can only be filmed at night and with 20-plus women to speak with, hand roses to and say goodbye to, we would sometimes only wrap the next morning at 04:00. How far in advance did you know who the ladies were?
I only met the ladies on the first night. In fact, I only met them after Lee did! What surprised you most about the show, the contestants and Lee?
How real everything and everyone has been. You hear about how sometimes reality isn’t really reality, but in this case, I can assure you that everything I’ve seen and you will see in the season, is real. Did you ever watch the US (2000-current) and Australian (2013-current) versions? I watched both and loved how natural hosts Chris Harrison (The Bachelor USA) and Andrew Günsberg (The Bachelor Australia) were. Sure, they’d had a couple of seasons behind them and were comfortable with the format, hence the ease at which they presented. I’m hoping to follow suit. What’s the biggest misconception you had about the show?
That things are scripted. To a certain degree, things and experiences have to be planned for logistic reasons, but the emotions and drama outweigh anything that viewers think might’ve been planned. If you were single, would you be brave enough to do the show?
Phew. Um, I’m not sure about that. I think I would find it too difficult to say goodbye to all those women along the journey to finding love. What can you remember from your first date?
Now we’re going back in time! On one of my first dates we went to a movie with a bunch of other people and during the movie I risked holding her hand. It was reciprocated, but by the end of the movie our hands were both so sweaty that there was a pool of water in the cup holder! It took so much willpower just to hold her hand that I didn’t even dare try for a kiss! I was a very slow starter. What is your romantic advice?
Be patient. Your first love might not be your only love. Your heart will get broken but everything mends in time, as impossible as it might seem at that moment. Finally, don’t take your partner for granted – ever. What is the one thing that would surprise viewers the most about you?
I’m taller than I look on television. Well, that’s pretty much the first thing people say when they meet me if they’ve seen me on the box before. I’m 1.9m tall. Did Lee choose the girl that you expected in the season finale?
That’s an excellent question but it’s one that you’ll have to find out on the show. [Smirks] NB! See more on p45.