Turns out, one of the men on The Bachelor was a backup option who ended up getting the job at the eleventh hour.
One would imagine being one of the men on The Bachelor would be nothing less than a dream – but not everyone thinks so. Oh well, one man’s loss is another man’s gain – and this time, it was Thomas Mallucelli.
According to So Dramatic!, Mallucelli was actually a backup option for the show’s producers, and practically became a shoe-in after the guy they had in mind pulled out at the last minute – like, really last minute.
As reported by the publication, Mallucelli replaced single dad Heath, who reportedly got cold feet about the show less than 48 hours before filming. “[Heath] pulled out of the show just 48 hours before filming was to commence,” an alleged insider told So Dramatic!
Fortunately, the producers had prepared for this eventuality. “They had already been speaking to Thomas as a potential option. So they just swapped him in because he’s a similar age.” the alleged insider said.
While fans were aware that Heath had seriously been considered for the show, the knowledge that he was replaced by Mallucelli definitely is new. In May 2022, Heath explained to So Dramatic! that he ultimately refused to be on the program due to the logistics of his job and being a single father.
“Honestly, I would have loved to do it and potentially find my person. But VICPOL didn’t like the idea and I would’ve missed my son like crazy being away from him for so long.” he said at the time.
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Heath is not the only man we could have gotten as one of the bachelors. Apparently, the show was also considering TV presenter Tony Armstrong as one of the men this season – not to mention, the furious fan support behind the man made him a popular favourite. Armstrong, too, said no to the show, fearing it would hurt his brand.
For more on this topic, follow the Reality TV Observer.
