EXCLUSIVE: Is this the next Bachelor? ‘Transformation coach’ Thomas Malucelli is tipped to be Channel 10’s new suitor as filming begins on the Gold Coast
The tenth season of The Bachelor has officially started filming on the Gold Coast.
And rumours are swirling about the identity of the new suitor, with industry insiders saying the most likely candidate is Thomas Malucelli.
Thomas is a former restaurant manager from Sydney who has spent the last five years working as a fitness and life coach.
Meet your next Bachelor? Rumours are swirling about the identity of the franchise’s new suitor, with industry insiders saying the most likely candidate is Thomas Malucelli (pictured)
The 35-year-old was spotted filming scenes on the Gold Coast last week ahead of production officially kicking off on Monday.
Despite boasting 11,500 followers on Instagram, Thomas’ social media accounts have been switched to private, which is a requirement for all cast members.
He used to work as a restaurant manager at Michael Moore’s O Bar and Dining for seven years, before leaving the hospitality industry in 2017.
Transformation specialist: Thomas is a former restaurant manager from Sydney who has spent the last five years working as a fitness and life coach
Spotted: The 35-year-old was seen filming scenes on the Gold Coast last week ahead of production officially kicking off on Monday
Thomas then launched his own health business, billing himself as a transformation specialist and lifestyle coach.
It comes after Warner Bros. Australia, the company that produces The Bachelor, announced it was increasing the age limit for contestants.
While the show previously only cast participants aged from 23 to 40, the age bracket was lifted to 50 for this year’s season.
Telling sign: Despite boasting 11,500 followers on Instagram, Thomas’ social media accounts have been switched to private, which is a requirement for all cast members
Wow! Thomas used to work at O Bar and Dining for seven years, before leaving the hospitality industry in 2017 to focus on his health. (He is seen here before and after losing weight in 2019)
Last year’s season of The Bachelor was a ratings flop for Channel 10, with its premiere drawing just 482,000 metro viewers.
This was a major decline from the franchise’s peak in 2018, when 940,000 tuned in to watch the launch of Nick Cummins’ season.
The 2022 season will also see the show move from its longtime home in Sydney to a new mansion on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Thomas Malucelli and Channel 10 for comment.
Ratings fail: Last year’s season of The Bachelor (starring Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston) was a ratings flop for Channel 10, with its premiere drawing just 482,000 metro viewers
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk