Charles Ling may have not won Joan Vassos’ heart on The Golden Bachelorette this season, but he did win the hearts of America – including his “biggest fan.”
In an exclusive preview clip shared with Us Weekly, host Jesse Palmer sat down with Charles L., 66, for a candid one-on-one during the show’s Men Tell All special. In the clip, the pair chatted about his popularity amongst reality TV fans.
“You actually went back to Shanghai, and it was hard for you to watch the show. You weren’t able to watch the show each and every week like the rest of us were,” Jesse, 46, began. “During that time, Charles mania is literally sweeping the nation. How does it feel to be a pop culture icon now?”
The camera then cut to Charles L.’s daughter, who could be seen with a huge smile on her face.
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“My daughter informed me what is going on. I didn’t expect to be ‘that famous,’” he said, which prompted a fan from the audience to stand up and share that she was his No. 1 supporter.
“Hey Charles! I am your biggest fan!” she exclaimed as he turned around to face her, showing his appreciation by clasping his hands together while the crowd cheered. “You are so sweet, so funny and iconic without even trying. I just want to see more of you!”
Fans were introduced to Charles L. on the first season of The Golden Bachelorette, which premiered on ABC in September. Though he was eliminated during the October 9 episode, the beloved contestant looked back on his time at the mansion fondly while appearing on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast the next day.
“I sensed it,” he said. “I have the data. Why? Because I look around and I sensed.”
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Charles L. explained that he knew his elimination was coming “between this time or the next” rose ceremony, noting that he had a feeling it was “getting closer.” He added, “I kind of sensed I’m not one of the few final ones.”
Despite being sent home, Charles L. said that the friendships he made along the way – including his relationship with Joan, 61 – are ones that he will treasure for a lifetime.
“The cast members, we support each other but we don’t compete [against] each other in a sense,” he explained. “In the end, Joan can only pick one gentleman, as you know that. We will be very happy whoever she is going to pick.”
He added of Joan: “We like each other, but as you know, like each other is one thing. To love each other is another thing. I’m happy for Joan. She continues her journey to find the best one she really loves.”
While speaking exclusively to Us in September, Palmer gushed about his friendship with Charles L., whom he called a “national treasure.”
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“I knew that from the very first date card drop off when I was trying to explain how the dates work, and if you go on a one-on-one date, you don’t get a rose, you gotta pack your bag,” Jesse told Us. “He asked me to re-explain everything again, but that’s who he is.”
Calling Charles L. “so sincere” and “organic,” Jesse added, “You just wanna put him in your pocket and you just wanna carry Charles around with you.”
