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"Hello Bachelor Nation! This is a new season premiere of the bachelor, I am your host, Simon Bassett. This year, we are taking a new approach, starting with the very first The Bachelor UK Celebrity Edition. And the person we have for you is beloved by the nation. You may know him from such shows as the Mischievous Matchmaker and Travelling Foodie. Yes, Bachelor Nation...the moment you all have been waiting for…...I present to you, your new bachelor … Colin Bridgerton!"
"Hi! I'm Colin Bridgerton and… I am the next Bachelor!" Colin flashed a smile to the cameras, exuding an air of shyness, yet full of charm.
"You may know me from a few of my shows, one being The Mischievous Matchmaker of London where I basically play matchmaker to people, and my other spin-off series The Travelling Foodie, or as my sister calls it the travelling garbage disposal …" he laughed into the cameras. "Because I basically consume everything," he winks into the camera.
"Uhm, I started off my career as a travelling journalist turned influencer and after realizing my knack for matchmaking people I got my own show," Colin said cooly.
"One of my favorite episodes on Mischievous Matchmaker was actually about the ex-notorious playboy, CEO of Ton Intl, my darling brother Anthony Bridgerton! He was one of my victims-er clients," Colin laughed. "He is now married to famous X-Factor UK winner Kate Sharma, and all thanks to my matchmaking prowess" He said proudly.
"You know I love travelling, eating,.new experiences, but what I love most is actually finding people their matches," his eyes dropped to the ground, he sighed. " Weirdly, one thing I could never find was a match for myself," Colin explained. He then looked up into the cameras, flashing a hint of longing in his green eyes to all of Europe.
"So here I am, ready to find my true love on the Bachelor."
"NOTORIOUS EX-PLAYBOY?" Anthony boomed, stomping towards the couch where Colin was sitting. He decided to show the first cut of his Bachelor's introduction to his family, gathered at Anthony's house.
"Uh-oh," Colin leaped from his comfy spot on the couch towards his mother, standing behind her chair. If he stood by his mother Anthony could throttle him less.
It worked because his brother stopped right in front of the chair their mother was sitting on.
"At first when you told me you were joining The Bachelor I just laughed, you've already done enough damage with your other shows, but to call me a playboy on national tv?" Anthony looked like he was going to blow a gasket.
Kate quickly went to his side and squeezed his hand. Colin had noticed it's an extremely efficient way to tackle Anthony Bridgerton's temper. Unfortunately, it'll only work if Kate was the one doing it.
"Darling breathe," she murmured, giving Colin a grin. "If he did not do what he did we wouldn't be together, would we?"
"I suppose not, but it could've been done just as well off-screen and not on his crazy show." Anthony sighed loudly, but already Colin could see he calmed down. He grinned back at Kate, 'thank you' he mouthed when Anthony was busy rubbing his forehead.
"I mean the same could be said about him finding his match," Benedict chimed in. "Off screen."
Eloise rolled her eyes. "Brothers, don't be silly, it's Colin. Of course, he needs to do things on screen."
"Yeah fam it's all for the gram, likes, subscribers, and views." Hyacinth said, making Colin burst into laughter. He was proud of his little influencer creative sister.
Anthony gaped at Hyacinth like she spoke a different language. "What...who is teaching this girl these things. Make her make sense."
"This is going to be a disaster," Eloise murmured to Benedict who nodded gleefully. Colin rolled his eyes.
"Oh enough! If this is the way to get Colin to marry, then we shall let Colin do it his own way," Their mother said, Colin was grateful for her.
Benedict chuckled. "It is but the only way to get Colin to marry...on national tv. Fitting, I suppose."
Colin grinned at his brother. True, Colin was notorious at dating women and never fully settling down. When the network approached him for an opportunity to be a celebrity bachelor in London, he jumped on the opportunity. Surprisingly, his mother was on board as well, but he knew she just wanted him to settle down...and if that meant finding love on national tv, so be it.
"Everyone, Colin is going to go away for 2 months, we are supportive dear, we're going to miss you, darling," Violet said standing up to embrace Colin.
"Thank you, Mother! One of the only ones to miss me,"Colin hugged his mother.
"Just make the right choice darling," Violet told him.
"Yeah bro, because it's going to be on national tv," Benedict reminded him.
"Please don't embarrass the Bridgerton name," Anthony groaned.
"Please do," chimed Hyacinth.
"The fact that this is just a harem on tv baffles my brain that we're being supportive but I guess here we are, and I do hope it will at least be entertaining," Eloise said, showing her disdain for the show.
"You will do perfectly well Colin, just follow your heart," Daphne, the only other sibling that was supportive, said. It warmed his heart. "And how is that Simon Bassett?" Daphne suddenly asked. Colin was no fool, Simon Bassett was a handsome man, very famous for being a modern-day royal who is also a very beloved tv personality.
"I know Simon Bassett, you do not want to know Simon Bassett," Anthony said gruffly. “I went to Oxford with him, and he is not for you Daphne. Although the fact he is hosting for the Bachelor on Colin’s season leads me to believe I will get the inside scope on his shenanigans,” he eyed his brother.
"Mother has taught me well, don't worry, I'd never disrespect a girl," Colin assured his family. "I am here to find my wife."
Next week, on the first episode of The Bachelor, have a sneak peek on some of the girls in this season!
Bachelor Week 1: Meet the girls!
"I’m Cressida Cowper, and I am the future Mrs.Colin Bridgerton, Oh no job title necessary because the only job title that truly matters is “Mrs. Colin Bridgerton . I am utterly perfect and I will make it to the end, because that's just what I do. No one is getting in the way."
Cressida Cowper, 25
Influencer , Future Mrs. Colin Bridgerton
"I would definitely love a family. Someone who is nice, sweet… doesn’t mind kids… Not.. not that I plan on having kids soon… or rather… yes… well, I can see Colin being a good father..."
Marina Thompson, 24
Chef
"WHAT? I THOUGHT I WAS GOING ON THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF WHY AM I ON THE BACHELOR?"
Penelope Featherington, 23
Novelist & Childhood Friend of The Bachelor
(Tricked into coming onto the show by The Bachelor’s sister)