The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert was left ‘devastated’ after the coronavirus pandemic forced production to shut down in March
- Do you know a 2020 Bachelor contestant? Email [email protected]
He’s set to make his debut as The Bachelor next week.
And on Monday, Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert spoke about the unique challenges of filming a dating show during the coronavirus pandemic.
He told TV Week that he was ‘devastated’ when production was shut down in March due to the escalating health crisis.
Heartbreak: On Monday, The Bachelor’s Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert (pictured) admitted to TV Week magazine that he was left ‘devastated’ after the Covid-19 pandemic forced production on the dating show to shut down in March
‘It was devastating. I was on a high, making these crazy connections and then it was thought we might be done and we’d all go home,’ the 31-year-old said.
But despite his misgivings, the former Australian Survivor star said that going into lockdown ended up being a good thing.
Being forced apart, with only Zoom dates to keep in touch, meant that Locky had no choice but to get to know the women on a personal level, rather than a physical one.
‘I was lucky enough to keep in contact with the girls, and have an even better connection with them,’ he said.
‘We took the physicality out of it and got to know each other on a personal level.’
‘I was on a high, making these crazy connections and then it was thought we might be done and we’d all go home,’ he said (Locky is pictured with Steph)
Warner Bros. had suspended on-site production in Oxford Falls, Sydney, on March 26 due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.
But filming resumed at the Bachelor mansion early last month, after the entire cast and crew were put in isolation and tested for coronavirus twice.
During lockdown, Locky is believed to have had ‘virtual dates’ with the contestants.
All for the best: But despite his initial apprehension, Locky confessed it ended up being a good thing, with the distance forcing him to make a better ‘personal connection’ with the ladies. ‘We took the physicality out of it and got to know each other on a personal level,’ he added (Pictured with Irena)
‘We were three-quarters of the way through series when we went into lockdown, and basically all the cast returned home,’ Channel 10’s head of entertainment, Stephen Tate, told The Australian on July 6.
‘So we would find ways for the show to continue in the same way that dating continues in the wider world.
‘We call it “Love in Lockdown”. They continued to virtually date, both as single dates and as group dates.’
Modern dating: Warner Bros. had suspended on-site production in Oxford Falls, Sydney, on March 26 due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. But filming resumed at the Bachelor mansion early last month. During lockdown, Locky is believed to have had ‘virtual dates’ via Zoom with the female contestants
Meanwhile, Locky confirmed to New Idea on Monday that despite the challenges of lockdown, he was happily in love with his winning contestant.
‘I can say with a big old smile on my face that I have definitely found love and I’m over the bloody moon right now,’ he said.
The Bachelor premieres on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:30pm on Channel 10
Is she the one? Meanwhile, Locky has confirmed to New Idea magazine on Monday that despite the hiccup, he’s fallen head over heels for one lucky lady, and ‘couldn’t be happier’ with his final choice (Pictured is Bella)