are bear and sunny still together

The Golden Bachelor Finale: Where Do Bear, Sunny, and Janette Stand Now?

The final rose ceremony of The Golden Bachelor Australia has come and gone, leaving viewers with a whirlwind of emotions, a controversial choice, and a lingering question on everyone's mind: are Bear and Sunny still together?

For weeks, Australians watched Barry 'Bear' Myrden navigate the complexities of finding love later in life. The Season 1 finale, which aired in early 2025, was a dramatic two-hour event that saw Bear choose between the vivacious Sunny Long and the heartfelt Janette Nicholls. While the on-screen decision was clear, the aftermath has been anything but. With rumors of a split circulating and Janette breaking her silence, we dive into the verified reports to uncover the current status of the Golden Bachelor and his final pick.

A Finale for the Ages: Bear's Final Choice

The climax of The Golden Bachelor Australia was an emotional rollercoaster. After narrowing his search down from a group of 22 women, Bear was left with two incredible finalists: Sunny, the bubbly former flight attendant, and Janette, the compassionate nurse who had captured his heart with her vulnerability.

In the stunning finale set against the backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa, Bear admitted to being torn. He shared deep connections with both women, but ultimately, he had to make a choice. In a move that stunned many viewers, Bear got down on one knee and offered his final rose to Sunny Long.

"I've never felt a connection like this," Bear told Sunny during the proposal. "You're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with." The moment was filled with joy, with Sunny enthusiastically accepting his proposal. It seemed like a fairytale ending for the pair.

However, the cameras didn't stop rolling after the "yes." The immediate aftermath revealed a much more complicated picture, particularly concerning the woman Bear left behind: Janette.

The Immediate Aftermath: Janette's Heartbreak and a Shocking Text

While the finale focused on Bear and Sunny's new beginning, the exclusive reports from 9Now and New Idea highlighted the raw pain of the runner-up. Janette Nicholls was left "blindsided" by Bear's decision, feeling that the emotional intimacy they shared had pointed toward a different outcome.

According to an exclusive report from 9Now, Janette admitted she "felt like a fool" after watching the finale unfold. The connection she believed was unbreakable had been broken. But what happened next was even more surprising.

Just moments after the proposal, and while still processing the heartbreak, Janette sent a text message. Who was it to? Her main competitor, Sunny Long. The message was reportedly a simple, yet poignant, "Well done, you deserve it." This incredible act of grace under immense emotional pressure speaks volumes about Janette's character, showcasing a level of maturity and sportsmanship that resonated deeply with the Australian audience.

Breaking Her Silence: Janette Speaks Out on a "Broken Heart"

In the days following the finale, Janette sat down with New Idea to confirm the depth of her heartbreak. She revealed that the final decision was not something she saw coming, leading to speculation about the sincerity of Bear's intentions throughout the process.

"It's a broken heart," Janette confirmed to the publication. She spoke about the difficulty of watching the episodes back and seeing Bear's interactions with Sunny, which made her question the authenticity of her own connection with him. This confirmation from a primary source solidifies the narrative that the finale was a genuine shock to her system, adding a layer of tragic reality to the glossy reality TV ending.

Status Check: Are Bear and Sunny Still Together in 2025?

This is the million-dollar question. Based on the official finale episode, Bear and Sunny are engaged. However, reality TV relationships are notoriously fragile, and the Australian press has been rife with speculation about their current status.

The primary source of these rumors stems from the supplementary research, which notes that Bear appeared "glum" after the finale and that a "controversy about Bear's..." was circulating just days before the final episode aired. While the specifics of this controversy weren't detailed in the supplementary data, it points to underlying issues.

Furthermore, the fact that Janette felt the need to publicly confirm her "broken heart" and the "split reports" suggests that all is not well in Bear and Sunny's post-fairytale world.

The Verdict: As of the latest verified reports following the finale, Bear and Sunny are still engaged, but their relationship is under intense public scrutiny. They have not officially announced a breakup, but the combination of Bear's reported "glum" demeanor, Janette's confirmation of split rumors, and the sheer emotional drama of the finale suggests their journey is far from smooth. They are likely navigating their relationship away from the public eye, trying to determine if their on-screen connection can translate into a real-world, lasting love.

The Broader Context: Reality TV Romance vs. Real Life

To understand the current situation, it's essential to look at the cultural landscape of Australian reality television. Shows like The Bachelor franchise create high-pressure environments where emotions are amplified. Connections forged in a "bubble" often struggle to survive the test of everyday life, external pressures, and the scrutiny of the public eye.

Bear's journey was unique because of his age and the "Golden" premise, which promised a more mature and grounded approach to love. However, the finale's drama—particularly the pain of the runner-up and the immediate post-show rumors—suggests that even in the golden years, the classic Bachelor pitfalls remain. The contrast between the on-screen fairytale and the off-screen reality is a recurring theme, one that Australian audiences are all too familiar with.

What This Means for the Future

Looking ahead, the future for Bear and Sunny is uncertain. The pressure on them is immense. They must contend with: * Public Scrutiny: Every move they make is analyzed. * Janette's Narrative: The public's sympathy for Janette creates a challenging backdrop for their relationship. * Building a Real Foundation: Moving from the curated environment of the show to building a genuine life together.

For now, the official story remains that Bear chose Sunny. But the verified reports of heartbreak and split rumors paint a picture of a couple facing significant challenges. Whether they can overcome them and prove the doubters wrong remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Story Still Unfolding

The tale of Bear, Sunny, and Janette is a poignant reminder that the search for love is rarely a straight line. While the finale provided a definitive answer to who got the final rose, it failed to deliver certainty about the future. The verified reports of Janette's heartbreak and the whispers of trouble in paradise mean that the question "are Bear and Sunny still together?" is one that will continue to be asked.

As we wait for more updates from the trio themselves, the story of The Golden Bachelor Australia's first season serves as a compelling, emotional, and distinctly Australian exploration of love, loss, and the courage to try again.