Amidst all the drama that’s been brewing on Bachelor in Paradise, one contestant has already become a fan favourite, and we’ve barely seen him exchange two words.
Niranga Amarasinghe, who starred on Angie Kent’s season of The Bachelorette, has garnered a horde of admirers on social media demanding he be given more air time on Paradise.
Despite rolling out some witty one-liners and being a handsome singleton, the 28-year-old aircraft engineer has barely made an appearance and fans of the show aren’t happy.
Even host Osher Gunsberg defended Niranga when he tweeted: “Ok Timm – let me get this right. Ciarran pashes Renee’s mates (more than one) and that’s ok. But Niranga – being just a friend (yes there is such a thing) to Renee isn’t ok? Don’t know if I see it that way.”
Niranga’s absence from any of the show’s major plot lines has led to many remarks that he and Mary Viturino are being used as token POC.
The reality contestant, who moved from Sri Lanka to Australia when he was three-years-old, appeared to weigh in on the Bachelor franchise’s lack of diversity with a telling Instagram post.
Shortly after the first rose ceremony, Niranga shared a photo of the remaining couples that are predominately white with the caption: “People say one picture speaks a thousand words. This picture speaks an infinity…#bachelorinparadise #love #bachelor#bachelorette #diversity #fiji #forever”
Niranga has also been praised for his friendship with female contestant Renee Barrett and how he defended her when the Ciarran scandal unfolded.
“It’s healthy to have friends of the opposite sex… so it’s okay to be JUST friends,” he captioned a still of himself and Renee hugging after the explosive Bula Banquet on Instagram.
“What a complete gentleman!” one fan commented.
“Totally bummed with the minimal time you’re getting on air. You seem like such a great guy #nirangaforbachelor,” another commented.
In an interview with Huffington Post Australia last year, Niranga revealed he’s no stranger to being the only South Asian man in a group.
“I have a group of mates that are completely diverse. It wasn’t anything new to me,” he told the publication.
“Obviously being in sporting teams and the only dark guy, I’ve grown up with that and I’m pretty comfortable with that whole situation.”
Niranga added: “I’m definitely more than the brown guy. I’m fun, I’m energetic. I’m there to make a little bit of a difference and take on the Aussie boys.”
Fans are even calling for Niranga to be the next Bachelor, and with good looks, brains and a sense of humour we think he’d be an excellent candidate.
All we have to do is wait for Osher’s blessing…
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