Episode 8 Recap: Psychic best friend declares Bear is ‘not genuine’ during Hometown visits – before Bear decides his final two
With just three women remaining, it’s time to get out of the mansion and fly around the country.
Or, in the case of our first Hometown visit, sit in Sydney traffic for the same amount of time as an interstate flight.
Stream episode of The Golden Bachelor Australia on 9Now.
For seven episodes, Bear’s been in charge of the dates as he’s built connections with Janette, Kim and Sunny – but now he’s on their turf to see how they spend their time and, of course, be grilled by their nearest and dearest.
Fun!
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Behind the closed doors: Unseen photos from Hometown visits and meet the families
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Sunny’s hometown
First up, it’s Sunny in Sydney and she’s organised a trip to the driving range to see if Bear’s improved his golf form since their first meeting on the opening night’s red carpet.
And also to see his muscles and have an excuse to get close as she shows off her swing.
Cunning.
After the golf, Sunny confesses her feelings.
“I’m in love with you,” she says.
But she also says that her previous 15-year relationship ended less than six months ago, which throws Bear for a curveball.
She’s been quizzing him on whether he’s ready for a relationship, but is she?
Concerned Bear. (Nine)
They meet Sunny’s daughters Chloe and Penelope and Chloe’s boyfriend, Brendan, and it doesn’t take long for the grilling to start.
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The sisters are concerned when Sunny refers to Bear as her ‘boyfriend’, especially as Bear says she might be “jumping the gun a bit”!
They pull Bear outside for a more private chat, questioning whether he can handle Sunny’s huge personality, his biggest flaws and whether he’s a feminist.
To that last question, he quickly responds “no”.
A red flag if Chloe has ever seen one!
“This is an absolute dealbreaker. No matter what he says, I’m not a fan of him anymore,” Chloe reacts.
Not impressed. (Nine)
But it turns out Bear didn’t really understand what that meant.
When explained that’s it’s simply believing men and women are equal, he changes his answer and wins them over.
As Bear leaves, Sunny gives Bear a parting gift – and a comment about “lots of sex” – so naturally he’s off with a big smile on his face.
And a pash, obviously. (Nine)
He’s still apprehensive, though.
Given how little time has passed since his previous relationship, he hopes this isn’t just a rebound.
”It does make me question if her feelings are genuine, or is she getting swept up in this experience?” he says.
Kim’s hometown
In Brisbane, Kim’s organised something to get the adrenaline pumping.
They harness up, sit on the edge of a building for lunch… and then have to abseil their ways down.
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They head to dinner with Kim’s son Ben, daughter Abby and friends Joanna and Margie.
It’s also the first time Kim’s seen Ben since she found out he was going to be a dad, so emotions are high!
Ben, Abby and Bear head out for the cross examination.
His first answer to what he sees in Kim is deemed too “generic”, but as they get into their experiences with grief Ben and Abby come away believing he’s genuine.
They just really hope he doesn’t hurt their mum.
Before Bear leaves, Kim knows it could be now or never for telling him how she feels.
“I know I could feel madly in love with you,” she says.
(Nine)
To the camera, she admits she’s already fallen – and that’s very scary.
”I’ll risk being that person who gets heartbroken again just in case I get lucky, I’d risk everything for love,” she admits.
Janette’s hometown
Last up, Bear’s in Melbourne to meet Janette!
He knows she’s been holding back recently because she’s fearful of getting hurt but today, she’s determined to open up.
This starts with a picnic on the beach where she catches him up on the days plan.
Why yes, that IS another platter. (Nine)
He’ll be meeting her mum, her sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and bestie Leanne, who she predicts will be the one to give him a hard time because 1. she cares and 2. she has a psychic ability to tap into his soul.
Sounds terrifying, actually.
Psychic Leanne is off to a good start! She correctly predicts that Janette hasn’t yet opened up to him about her feelings.
Speaking of, Bear’s are being questioned left, right and centre outside, where Janette’s kids are all ears.
He speaks about their instant connection, which they love to hear.
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He successfully wins everyone over… except Leanne.
“I looked into his eyes and I’m not really sure I see a genuine person,” she says.
I’m scared. (Nine)
She asks if he’d move for love and as he admits geography could be an issue, she says “you’re sitting on that fence aren’t you, Bear?”
It’s not a good start, but Bear turns it around!
Leanne comes away thinking, in her psychic opinion, Bear “has a gorgeous heart, gorgeous soul and I see them going far”.
Phew.
It’s time for him to leave and Janette knows it’s finally time for her to let her walls down.
But again, she can’t get the words out.
“Oh my God, why can’t I do it?” she sobs once he’s gone.
Rose ceremony
This is obviously going to be Bear’s toughest decision so far.
He can see three different futures, but there are only two roses to hand out ahead of the finale.
He calls Sunny forward first, followed by Janette.
🙁 (Nine)
After a long hug goodbye, Kim says she’s sad and will go home and ‘lick her wounds’ for a while.
But she is still determined to find her love.
On Sunday, it’s finale time and we’re off to South Africa!
After two romantic final dates and brutal grillings from Bear’s sons, it will all come down to one moment as Bear makes his ultimate decision.
All will be revealed Sunday – see you there!
Want more Golden Bachelor? Check out our exclusive exit interviews below:
The Golden Bachelor finale airs Sunday at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Stream episode of The Golden Bachelor Australia on 9Now.
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