The Unconventional Journey: Gerry Turner's Quest to Become the 'Golden Bachelor' Led Him to an STD Test, But He Had No Clue About the Process
Gerry Turner, aspiring 'Golden Bachelor,' faced a daunting challenge when he had to undergo his first STD test However, his lack of knowledge about how they worked added to the tension Can Gerry overcome his confusion and secure a spot as the sought-after 'Golden Bachelor'?
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Gerry Turner had to take an STD test before becoming the first Golden Bachelor — but he didn’t know what to expect from the process.
On November 21st, while appearing on Justin Long's "Life Is Short" podcast, 72-year-old Gerry mentioned receiving a call from ABC producers during a February vacation in Florida. "I was traveling with an old girlfriend - we were just friends - and I got a call from ABC asking me to start the process of getting an STD test," he recounted.
Gerry, who had been married to his late wife Toni for 43 years until her passing in 2017, acknowledged that he was unfamiliar with the concept of such testing at the time.
"I think that might have been my first STD test. I had no clue what to expect. I didn't know if they were going to examine my eyes, take a urine or blood sample. I was completely in the dark. Completely clueless," he remarked.
Gerry had to undergo several tests in order to secure the gig, including sending his fingerprints to the FBI and multiple background checks. He also had to complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation consisting of 360 questions, followed by an hour-long interview. The vetting process, as he disclosed, was extremely thorough.
Even after a thorough casting process, Golden Bachelor host Jesse Palmer acknowledges that it's impossible to predict how someone will react to the show's circumstances.
"[Gerry] is a man who is clear about his desires, and I believe he was experiencing a range of emotions and situations for the first time this season. Navigating this part of the journey is something that I don't think he or anyone can fully prepare for when faced with these moments," Jesse, 45, exclusively told We on Monday, November 20th.
Gerry will soon need to make a tough decision between finalists Leslie Fhima and Theresa Nist, both of whom he has expressed his love for. According to Palmer, fans of Golden Bachelor should brace themselves for an emotional season finale. "Saying goodbye is always the hardest part of the season. I think this is true for most leads, but I believe viewers will witness an incredibly intense and emotional farewell in the finale, unlike anything they've seen before," teased the television personality.
In a trailer for the upcoming final episode, Gerry can be heard telling Jesse that he hasn’t been so emotional since his wife’s death.
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In those moments, the only advice is to reassure him that it will all be worth it. There's an incredible woman waiting on the other side. That was as intense, real, and raw as it gets. It was probably the most raw moment I've experienced since hosting the franchise.
The Golden Bachelor season finale airs on ABC Thursday, November 30, at 8 p.m. ET.
