Locals looking for true love on television

TWO Tasmanians — a 25year-old schoolteacher and a 32-year old single mum — hope to win the heart of Locky Gilbert on the new season of The Bachelor Australia.

Schoolteacher Maddy Carver dreams of a big, white wedding, three kids and the perfect house but has been single for the past four years.

She said she auditioned for season eight of the popular reality TV show because she enjoyed watching previous seasons, and thought she needed to try a new way of finding love as traditional dating hadn’t worked.

“I love new experiences and love the fact that the girls on the show always get to experience such fun and adventurous dates, which is not what happens in real life when dating,’’ Ms Carver said.

“I am turning 26 this year and time is flying by. I am ready to get married and have kids, so all I need now is a man.

“I don’t want to be an old lady who lives in a little flat with 10 cats. I don’t even like cats.’’

Meanwhile, project manager Georgie Glass strongly believes in the law of attraction and has a good feeling that this year is her year to find love.

The mother of two loves reading, meditating, dancing and being outdoors, and hopes to find a man with similar interests. “I’m not looking for someone to tick all of the boxes or for someone who looks a particular way,’’ she said.

“I’m looking for someone who looks at me with feeling, gives me butterflies in my tummy and makes me feel loved.

“Someone who greatly values the people in his life, is driven, prefers the silly times over the serious, enjoys a bit of adventure and has a sneaky big heart.’’

Many Tasmanians will recognise Ms Glass, who was the Mercury’s “Face of Style” winner in 2011.

At that time she modelled for Big Pond, V8 Super Cars, Monster Energy, Banana Boat and Playboy, and even visited the Playboy Mansion in LA.

The women are among 23 bachelorettes from across Australia who will vie for the heart of Gilbert — a tall, dark and handsome adventure guide who won a legion of female fans when he appeared on Australian Survivor.

Gilbert, 30, describes himself as a hopeless romantic, as well as a meat pie and sausage roll connoisseur. “I really want to find love,’’ he said.

“I’m pretty content with my life at the moment. I go on these crazy adventures, but I’d love someone to share the memories with.’’

The Bachelor Australia, Wednesday 7.30pm on Ten.