East Haven Resident Joins the Contest in the Debut Season of ABC's The Golden Bachelor

The ABC senior-focused dating spin-off, "The Golden Bachelor," unveiled its captivating cast on Wednesday, and among the contenders is a spirited 69-year-old dental hygienist hailing from East Haven.

This exciting new series, "The Golden Bachelor," is set to revolve around 22 remarkable women aged 60 to 75, all vying for the affections of the charming 71-year-old bachelor, Gerry Turner. As the season unfolds, Turner faces the daunting task of selecting a compatible partner from this diverse pool of contestants. It's worth noting that this show is a spin-off stemming from ABC's renowned franchises, "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette."

In a captivating YouTube video presentation released by the franchise on Wednesday, viewers were introduced to the enchanting group of women, and it was the vivacious dental hygienist, Peggy (whose last name remains undisclosed), who stood at the forefront of this delightful introduction.

Peggy's ABC biography offers a glimpse into her altruistic nature, highlighting her dedication to international humanitarian efforts through her participation in numerous dental missions. Her passion for her profession as a dental hygienist is nothing short of inspiring, as she enthusiastically returned from retirement, confessing that she simply couldn't resist the call of her cherished vocation. Notably, Peggy's interests extend beyond her dental profession; she's an ardent go-kart enthusiast, shares her life with a beloved pet bichon frisé, and dreams of experiencing a day in the shoes of the multi-talented Jennifer Lopez.

Turning the spotlight back to Gerry Turner, the inaugural "Golden Bachelor" boasts a life rich in experiences. He's a retired restaurateur, a widower, a loving father of two, and a doting grandfather to two more. Gerry's heart carries the memory of his high school sweetheart, Toni, whom he married and sadly lost in 2017, as conveyed in a poignant press release.

In an interview with Variety, Turner candidly shared that he and his late wife had heartfelt conversations about their desires for each other's happiness, should one of them pass away. When it comes to the casting process of the show, Turner clarified that he played no role in selecting the contestants. Instead, he's on the lookout for a companion who shares his zest for life and the activities he holds dear.

Reflecting on his personal dating journey since his wife's passing, Turner mused, "My wife has been gone for six years; of those six, I’ve dated about four. I wasn’t even very good at casting for myself, so I'm happy I don’t have that job," as humorously revealed to Variety.

Connecticut has a history of contributing contestants to this popular franchise. In the 26th season of "The Bachelor," viewers saw Tess Tookes from Stamford and Yale Law School student Daria Rose as contenders. Meanwhile, in the 19th season of "The Bachelorette," Brookfield twins Justin and Joey Young, along with UConn alumnus Matt Labagh, also embarked on their own quests for love within the franchise's framework.

Mark your calendars, for "The Golden Bachelor" is poised to make its debut on September 28th, airing on ABC at 8 p.m. This promises to be a heartwarming journey filled with love, laughter, and the pursuit of lasting companionship.