Rewritten Title:
"The Golden Bachelor to Host Exclusive Charity Gala After Samantha Armytage’s Series Faces Setback"

Key Adjustments:

• Simplified "set to host" to "to host" for conciseness.
• Replaced "received unexpected setback" with "faces setback" to align with headline tense conventions.
• Condensed "series hosted by Samantha Armytage" to "Samantha Armytage’s series" for brevity.
• Maintained clarity on the exclusivity of the event and causal link between the two occurrences.

The Golden Bachelor Australia Announces Charity Gala Amid Casting Challenges
By A. James for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 00:43 GMT, 13 March 2025 | Updated: 00:47 GMT, 13 March 2025

The Golden Bachelor Australia is set to host a star-studded charity gala on March 24, featuring live performances by the show’s cast. Proceeds from the $175-per-ticket event will support Cancer Council Australia. The secret Sydney location will be revealed to attendees on the morning of the event. Apply here.

Host Samantha Armytage will headline the charity gala.

The announcement follows earlier reports of casting challenges for the dating series, which targets seniors seeking love. A production insider revealed that many older applicants struggled with the online application process, citing difficulties uploading photos/videos or even accessing technology. “Some don’t own iPhones or computers,” the source told Yahoo Lifestyle. To widen the pool, producers encouraged families to nominate grandparents and partnered with retirement homes nationwide.

Producers adapted casting strategies after tech struggles among older applicants.

Casting agents also took unconventional approaches, including scouting at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse, where hopefuls were handed recruitment cards. Host Samantha Armytage, who left Channel Seven after 21 years, joined the Nine Network project in late 2024. “When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate,” she said. “The Golden Bachelor is huge in the U.S.—it’ll be huge here too.”

The U.S. version, featuring 72-year-old widower Gerry Turner, drew 6.1 million viewers for its finale, marking the franchise’s most-watched episode since 2021. Australia’s adaptation aims to replicate that success, blending romance and philanthropy.

The gala’s Sydney location remains under wraps until March 24.

With tickets selling fast, the event promises glamour and purpose, offering fans a chance to support cancer research while mingling with the show’s stars.

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The Golden Bachelor set to host exclusive charity gala – after series hosted by Samantha Armytage faced casting hurdles.

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