The Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage was forced to intervene during an emotional moment on Tuesday night, after one of the contestants became emotional.

For the reality TV show’s first group date, leading man Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden decided to channel Hollywood classics by staging a series of wedding-themed photoshoots.

But the day took a heartbreaking turn when contestant Shamse – who lost her husband of 40 years last year – was asked to dress up as a bride, triggering painful memories of her late partner.

In a shock moment, Shamse stormed off from Bear while wearing her bridal gown, prompting Sam, 49, to follow her and offer some comforting words.

‘I am grieving a lot of people, so maybe that is what is happening right now, I don’t know,’ a tearful Shamse told Sam.

Sam then reassured the contestant that she had also experienced grief and would be there to comfort her.

The Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage was forced to intervene during an emotional moment on Tuesday night, after one of the contestants became emotional

‘You’re not being silly at all. Please don’t say that. I know about grief. I know how tough it can be. I know how tough it can be to look for real love,’ Sam told her.

‘You’re very strong, but we’re here for you if you’re not. You need to just be gentle with yourself. I am here for you. I want to make sure you are okay.’

The pair then tearfully embraced as Shamse regained the confidence to return to Bear.

Sam has experienced her fair share of loss, with the heartbreaking end of her marriage to businessman Richard Lavender in December, after four years together.

And in February 2024, a heartbroken Sam revealed her beloved dog Banjo had died.

Samantha is the host of Channel Nine’s newest dating series The Golden Bachelor, which premiered on Monday night.

Romance rumours have surrounded Golden Bachelor Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden and host Samantha Armytage for months.

The pair first sparked whispers of an off-screen romance after making their red carpet debut at the Logies, where their close rapport was noticed by attendees.

Leading man Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden decided to channel Hollywood classics by staging a series of themed photoshoots. But the day took a heartbreaking turn when contestant Shamse – who lost her husband of 40 years last year – was asked to dress up as a bride

In a shock moment, Shamse stormed off from Bear while wearing her bridal gown, prompting Sam to follow her and offer some comforting words

The reality show’s leading man has since responded to the talk of the town.

Bear attended the Golden Bachelor premiere in Sydney on Monday, where he couldn’t help but gush about his co-star in an exclusive interview with Daily Mail.

‘She was sensational. She was great,’ the 61-year-old said of Samantha’s time hosting the inaugural season.

‘I used her as a mentor the whole way through. She said, “follow your heart,” which I did.’

However, when asked about all of the rumours regarding his relationship with the TV star, he was quick to dismiss them.

‘Yeah, well, that’s to be expected,’ he said of the speculation.

‘Let’s just say they are rumours,’ the silver fox added.

The Golden Bachelor co-stars appeared to avoid being photographed together on Monday at the KIIS FM Studio in Sydney as speculation about their relationship continues to swirl.

The pair kept their interactions minimal, avoiding eye contact and conversation as they left The Kyle and Jackie O Show studios, as they continue to dismiss claims of a romantic connection.