Be careful who you lock eyes contact with, Michael Gelman! During a conversation about ABC’s new senior dating show, The Golden Bachelor, Kelly Ripa scolded her show’s executive producer for seemingly hinting that she would be eligible to join the series.
Ripa, Gelman and Mark Consuelos chatted about the spinoff show’s big announcement on this morning’s episode of Live with Kelly and Mark. Earlier this week, ABC announced that Gerry Turner, a hunky grandpa from Indiana, would star as the first-ever Golden Bachelor. However, the network has yet to reveal which lucky ladies are vying for his heart.
When Gelman told the co-hosts that they put out a casting call for senior citizens to join, Ripa fell under the impression that he was looking a little too directly at her.
“Why are you looking at me? I’m married. You are looking at me. You go, ‘There’s a casting call for senior citizens,'” the 52-year-old said, to which the EP replied, “I’m sorry for making eye contact, Kelly.”
Meanwhile, Consuelos revealed that Turner, a retired restauranteur, hopes to find a partner who has “high energy” and enjoys playing “pickleball” and “golf.” According to Gelman, ABC is looking to cast “age-appropriate” women — even though Turner looks far younger than 71 years old.
“So this is an Indiana 71. We can all agree, Gerry looks 20-30 years younger. He’s doing very well,” Ripa said, before asking if there are any eligible women in the audience who may want to “toss their hat in the ring.”
Several ladies raised their hands — and why wouldn’t they? Turner seems like the full package! Not to mention, Live is also run by ABC, so what better place to express your interest?
“From my naked eye, Gerry looks pretty good to me. We have some applicants here in the house,” Ripa said, though revealed she likely won’t be watching the show. “You know how I feel about The Bachelor. I’m not looking forward to watching women of a certain age argue with each other over a guy.”
Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays. You can find local listings on their website