It turns out The Golden Bachelor’s leading man may have found love on camera but according to insiders, he definitely didn’t do it for the cash.

Multiple sources tell PEDESTRIAN.TV that Barry “Bear” Myrden, the first-ever Golden Bachelor, pocketed around $75,000 for his 10-week stint filming the series earlier this year. Which, for context, is less than what Karl Stefanovic probably spends on linen shirts.

Still, Bear reportedly told one contestant he was earning $100k, which left producers quietly smirking.

“I think he was a little embarrassed when he inflated the number,” one insider said. “He didn’t need the money. He just wanted to prove to his boys and himself that he’s still got some game left.”

The widower had apparently been dating in recent years but mostly younger women, and he saw The Golden Bachelor as a way to find something real with someone his own age, minus the sugar-daddy vibes.

While Bear was handing out roses for a decent paycheque, Samantha Armytage was cashing network-level cheques. The Sunrise alum reportedly pulled in around $125,000, filming just two days a week, complete with an A-list wardrobe and glam team that could rival Nicole Kidman’s.
To be fair, Samantha Armytage has certainly earned her pay check! (Credit: The Golden Bachelor)
“They treated her like a movie star,” a source spilled. “Every outfit, every lighting setup, it was all about making Sam shine.”

But the real play wasn’t the money, it was a strategy. Bachie bosses reportedly see The Golden Bachelor as a test run for Sam, a way to measure her star power and decide if she’s ready for something much bigger.

“All eyes are on Sam,” an insider confirmed. “The show’s success is directly tied to her future at the network.”

If the show holds steady, Sam’s contract apparently includes options for two more seasons, with a fat pay rise already sitting on the table.

So while Bear may have gone on TV to prove he’s still got it, it’s clear Sam Armytage is the one who really cashed in, not just in dollars but in destiny.