The final rose

Image: Instagram @itssunnylong

The debut season of The Golden Bachelor has delivered everything viewers hoped for: sweeping romance, chaotic group dates and cutthroat rose ceremonies. And now, the final twist has landed.

After months of speculation, Bear’s chosen partner has been revealed — and yes, it’s Sunny.

Are Bear And Sunny Still Together?

Following the finale airing, Sunny regained access to her social media and wasted no time sharing the life update Bachie fans had been waiting for.

In a series of posts, she revealed that she and Bear have been quietly dating for several months, keeping their relationship entirely under wraps to protect the outcome of the show.

Her update included a carousel of moments from the past half-year: snaps of her and Bear looking completely besotted, candid photos with her daughters Chloe and Penny, and a playful reel celebrating her win.

Image: Nine

While the finale left viewers with sweeping Cape Town vistas and a picture-perfect commitment moment, the reality behind the scenes was far less glamorous.

After filming wrapped, Sunny returned home alone, stepping into months of secrecy and logistical gymnastics.

The pair continued their relationship in private, with Sunny telling Woman’s Day that “there were a few secret meetings at Airbnbs. We had to show up at different times and sort of rush in.”

“We couldn’t stand by the windows. I think you said it was a bit of fun sneaking around — there was a bit of excitement?” she asked Bear.

“You know, it was a bit. He’s Mr Bond and I’m his Bond girl,” she laughed.

Sunny added, “We have huge feelings for each other, but now we’re going back to normal life, and we have lots of things to catch up on after the finale.”

“Both of us want to see our love grow organically, so we’re going to take it one step at a time.”

Image: Instagram @itssunnylong

What Happened During The Golden Bachelor Finale?

The finale saw Bear travel to Cape Town, where his final two women — Janette and Sunny — met his sons, Charlie and Jack, along with his brother, Tim.
Janette was warmly received for her grounded energy, though the family questioned why she’d held back emotionally.

Sunny, meanwhile, raised eyebrows due to her recent breakup and her effusive praise for Bear, leaving the household divided over who was truly ready.

During the final dates, Janette finally dropped her guard, opening up during a safari outing, while Sunny overcame a fear of penguins (yes, really) before expressing just how deeply invested she was.

At the final rose ceremony, Janette arrived first — the tell-tale sign of rejection within the Bachelor universe. Bear ended their connection, and Janette walked away heartbroken but composed, insisting Bear needs to “stop saying sorry.”

Sunny arrived next, and Bear made it clear that what had grown between them was not just chemistry but the beginnings of something real. He offered her a commitment ring, sealing their decision to continue the relationship outside the show.