GOLDEN Bachelorette suitor Michael Stevens has revealed his cancer diagnosis that he kept secret on the show.
Michael's announcement came during the Men Tell All special, where eliminated contestants reunited to discuss their experiences on the spin-off's first season.
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The retired banking CEO, 65, who was eliminated in Week 2, surprised audiences and his fellow suitors with his story, sharing how he had received his diagnosis shortly before joining the show.
He told host Jesse Palmer: “Just before I got the initial call [to be on] the show, I was diagnosed with cancer.
"My immediate inclination was not to proceed. But my sons and my daughter-in-law really wanted me to.
"They had sent the [Golden Bachelorette] application in and my doctor okayed it."
Michael, who didn’t reveal the specific type of cancer, reassured the crowd, “I’m going to be fine. It was caught early.”
His appearance in the show was part of a memorable year he’d initially thought would be difficult.
Michael added: “What could have been a really lousy, difficult year for me instead was kind of a great one, because I got this amazing experience tucked into it."
Joan Vassos, The Golden Bachelorette herself, joined the cast and host to reflect on the season’s highlights and share final thoughts before her journey concludes in next week’s grand finale.
In recognition of those affected by cancer on the show, Jesse announced that ABC would make a donation to Stand Up to Cancer.
This tribute held special meaning for Joan, who lost her husband John Vassos to pancreatic cancer.
Golden Bachelorette casts Joan Vassos as lead after fan-favorite had to abruptly exit Gerry Turner’s Bachelor season
During a recent episode, viewers were distracted after spotting an eye-catching detail about Jordan Heller's outfit.
The silver fox, 61, got to know Joan on an even deeper level as they went on a romantic hometown date in Chicago that saw the pair grab pizza, dessert and steal kisses.
Fans were taken by the wholesome meet, but couldn't tear their eyes from Jordan's very tight trousers as the couple walked hand in hand by the riverside.
His grey skinny jeans left little to the imagination, with one person writing on X: "Jordan’s pants are a little tight whoa."
Another said: "Jordan would be a good a F-boy. Those pants are showing all."
A third wrote: "Me looking at Jordan’s skinny jeans [eggplant emoji]."
The smitten duo have grown close over the course of the series, but a wedge was placed firmly between them when it came to Jordan's readiness to commit.
His three daughters picked his brains and asked about his feelings to which Jordan admitted he still wasn't ready to pop the question 10 years on from his divorce following "serious breaches of marital trust."
Jordan sealed his fate when he ended their date by saying: "I hope we can make more big steps."
The non-committal declaration left Joan concerned that Jordan wasn't the man for her and she subsequently decided to progress with remaining contestants Mark Anderson, Keith Gordon, and Jonathan Rone instead.
Though their time together came to an end, their journey was full of highlights.
- The Golden Bachelorette's season finale will air on November 13.
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