Prior to officially hitting the beaches of Costa Rica, Us Weekly caught up with several stars of season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise to talk about their dating strategies — and the twist of the Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette stars joining the show.
“Historically, I’ve capped it at 45,” Zoe McGrady told Us of age-gap romances. “I don’t know what the [youngest] is for the Goldens, but I think as far as they go, I just want to focus on their advice and their wisdom, but you know, never say never.”
Zoe, 28, who was the second runner-up on Grant Ellis’ season of The Bachelor earlier this year, made it clear that she is very open when it comes to dating on the show.
“I did no colluding. I didn’t even do any research. Everything I heard was against my will,” she said. “I met Jonathan [Johnson] and Jeremy [Simon] beforehand at an innocent meetup in New York City. No flirting happening, but I’ve heard some whispers.”
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Jess Edwards, for her part, doesn’t think she would “go for any of the Goldens.” She explained: “I am 26. I think my dad would literally kill me, but with that being said, I’m so excited they’re going to be here. I think it’s going to be fun. I think they’re going to be able to give us some advice. I think they’re going to be running the beach.”
The Bachelor season 28 contestant has also “been really good” when it comes to avoiding pre-BiP relationships. “There’s been a little story ‘likes’ here and there. … But nothing, like, flirty or ‘see you there’ wink, wink. Nothing like that,” she said. “There’s a few people that I do want to meet here. My No. 1 is definitely Spencer [Conley] from Jenn’s season. The golden retriever energy, he’s so cute.”
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10 Cast Revealed
Speaking of Spencer, 32, he is not interested in pursuing anything with a senior star. “I’m not dating someone my grandma’s age!” he quipped to Us. “Nothing against it. I would like children. If we’re being realistic, science has not advanced to that point. But would I like advice from all of these people? Please and thank you! Bring it my way.”
Dale Moss, who surprised Us with his decision to join the cast four years after his engagement to season 16 Bachelorette Clare Crawley ended, feels similarly.
“I’ve definitely got older women in my dating history,” he said. “I don’t even think about someone’s age [or the] gap. I think The Golden Bachelor [stars] they’re going to be more guidance and friendships. I can just say that very, very clear. No shade!”
While host Jesse Palmer and new addition Hannah Brown (dubbed the head of Paradise relations) weren’t opposed to the Golden stars potentially dating one of the traditional stars, bartender Wells Adams was the most vocal about the concept to Us.
“This happens all the time in the real world. Look at Bill Belichick right now. It’s happening in front of us,” Wells said. “I don’t know if it will, but I think it’ll be cool to have the Goldens around. The thing that I love about The Golden Bachelor so much is they’ve lived so much more life that their advice, their conversations, the stakes for them are just so much bigger. I think that’ll be a good thing for them to impart on all these young kids.”
Bachelor in Paradise premieres on ABC Monday, July 7, at 8 p.m. ET.
