The extraordinary success of the latest, unashamedly trashy Married At First Sight series has seemingly sent rival networks into panic mode.
This week, viewers slammed Seven after My Kitchen Rules took an odd turn towards ‘scandal,’ while Ten announced viral larrikin Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins would be the new Bachelor.
On Thursday, in what could be seen as an attempt to appeal to MAFS 1.3 million + viewers, the first on-set images from the new Bachelor mansion revealed Ten has cast a Davina Rankin lookalike.
Can’t escape reality? Busty brunette with a striking resemblance to MAFS’ Davina Rankin meets new Bachelor Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins’ in first on-set snaps from the new season
The woman was spotted at the front door of the palatial digs, looking nervous as she waited to meet the Honey Badger for the first time.
Fans familiar with ratings-magnet Davina would have been right to do a double take, with the mystery contestant sporting similar locks, build and facial features.
She wore her brunette hair down and straight – just like Davina – and sported a sparkly silver gown that could have come straight out of Rankin’s wardrobe.
The pair also boast similarly taut complexions.
Think of all the new Insta followers! The woman was spotted at the front door of the palatial digs, looking nervous as she waited to meet the Honey Badger for the first time
While certainly not a dead ringer for the model-turned-reality-star, Nick’s potential soul mate could indicate Channel Ten is trying to find the ‘next’ Davina.
In one snap, the woman finally came face-to-face with the former Wallabies star, and the meeting seemed to be going well.
She was seen holding his arm outstretched, apparently teaching him a dance move.
Davina 2.0? Fans familiar with ratings-magnet Davina would have been right to do a double take, with the mystery contestant sporting similar locks, build and facial features
Next best thing! While certainly not a dead ringer for the model-turned-reality-star, Nick’s potential soul mate could indicate Channel Ten is trying to find the ‘next’ Davina
As early as late December, the word on the street suggested ex-Bachelorette star Cam Cranley was more-or-less locked in to star in The Bachelor 2018.
In the months that followed, Married At First Sight stumbled upon a ratings-dominating formula, focused on sex, infidelity, and an outspoken cast with sketchy dating records.
Perhaps by sheer coincidence, Ten announced lovable, overtly ‘ocker’ Nick would in fact be The Bachelor – the second ‘celebrity’ casting in a row for the series.
First dance? In one snap, the woman finally came face-to-face with the former Wallabies star, and the meeting seemed to be going well
This week, the network told Mumbrella they selected him because he is ‘physically striking, successful, smart and has a distinctive sense of humour.’
‘(Nick’s) one-liners have made him a hero, both on and off the field.’
‘The Honey Badger’ will be the second celebrity series lead, after Sophie Monk nabbed the series its highest-ever ratings.
Debuting on 951,000 metro viewers around the country, the blonde beauty pulled in an impressive 2.204 million nationally during the finale.
You? Off the back of MAFS massive ratings win, Ten announced lovable, overtly ‘ocker’ Nick as the new Bachelor just this week, after weeks of rumours Cam Cranley was in line for the gig