Intelligent, genuine and determined to find a love that’s out of this world – that’s how Network Ten is describing 2019’s Bachelor, Matthew Agnew.
“I’m still pinching myself that this is happening. It may be an unorthodox way to meet someone, but it’ll make for a cracking ‘how we met’ story,” Matt said of joining the show.
No doubt the most qualified Bachelor to join the hit series, Matt has a double undergraduate degree in science and engineering, and a masters in astrophysics. Soon to be Dr Agnew, he’s also a PhD candidate at the Swinburne University of Technology where he works in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing.
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But the Melbourne-based astrophysicist says there’s one thing missing – a woman to share his life with!
“I’ve got a real ‘do it once, do it right’ mentality so I’ll be making sure I throw myself into it, be vulnerable and enjoy what comes from that. I think it’ll be a sensational experience!”
After last year’s disastrous finale, in which AFL star Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins rejected both of the final two ladies, Matt, 31, will no doubt be a breath of fresh air.
“He brings spades of old-school romance back to The Bachelor,” says executive producer Hilary Innes. “He’s a Bachelor with natural charm and intelligence, but with a definite twinkle in his eye.”
Fans of the franchise are also pleased the network steered clear of enlisting another Australian celebrity, instead going back to basics and betting on someone who’s an unknown.
“A lot of fans are still annoyed at how things ended with Nick,” an insider tells WHO. “The novelty of watching a celebrity search for love has worn off and producers figured that out pretty quickly after Nick’s finale and all the backlash that came with it. Let’s face it, we all know that Sophie (Monk) and Nick could easily find love without a reality show.”
The insider adds: “Matt is a normal, decent guy who is genuinely looking to meet someone. Producers see this as a way of giving the public what they failed to give them last year – A happily ever after!”
Despite leading a pretty normal life, it seems as though Matt might have had a secret weapon when it came to landing the role – former Australian Survivor contestant, Tegan Gasior.
If social media is anything to go by, the pair certainly know each other, or at least share the same circle of friends. In fact, Matt and Tegan even attended the same wedding of pals Jess Wallis and Addy Wetzler in December last year in Perth.
Their mutual friend’s list also suggests the duo are also friends with Gogglebox star Isabelle Silbery and former Block star Jess Eva.