Marina Perera has revealed the reason behind her unexpected departure from The Bachelor, which occurred during the second episode.
Fans were perplexed when the schoolteacher, 60, was left out of the latest episode after receiving a rose from Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner in the premiere.
In an unseen footage posted to the show’s official Instagram account, the 72-year-old was seen catching up with his erstwhile love interest, who explained why she had to stop production.
It was down to host Jesse Palmer to fill the retired restauranter in on her departure, telling him: ‘Marina’s had a situation with her family back home. She’s no longer here now, but she did want the opportunity to speak to you, if that’s okay?’
During a FaceTime call, Marina told Gerry: ‘I’m a single mom, and I had to choose my family and support my family’s needs at this time.
‘I am sorry that I had to leave, but at the same time I had to get my priorities straight.’
‘I fully understand commitment to family overrides just about everything else. I really respect you for doing what you’ve done,’ he replied.
‘I agree with you 100% that you need to put your family needs before everything else.
‘You have my prayers and my support.’
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The singleton continued: ‘I really, truly appreciate the fact that you recognize that. I think I needed to hear that.
‘I want to wish you well. I think there are some beautiful women with beautiful souls. I want to wish you nothing but my best from my heart.’
‘I wish you all the happiness in the world,’ Gerry added.
Despite having lost one love interest, the widower proceeded through the procedure and went on to have his first group date of the series.
He even spent his 72nd birthday with the women before being obliged to send three finalists home.
With Jeanie, Natascha, and Peggy gone, who will win Gerry’s heart?
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC on Thursdays at 8pm ET.
