Sam Stanton may not have found lasting love on Married at First Sight (MAFS), but his time on the show could be the start of another reality TV journey, with fans calling for him to be cast as the lead on The Bachelor Australia.
A TikTok has gone viral with the user, Bella Hodgman, claiming that the post is her official petition for Sam to become Australia’s first gay male Bachelor. Sam went ahead and reposted it, which we’re going to take as a sign that he’s keen for the role.
“Please use this post as our first official petition for Sam to be Australia’s first gay Bachelor, because the least we can do for him, after subjecting him to the torture that is being married to Chris on Married at First Sight, is give him his own damn show where he can date like 20 men and pick the one that’s nicest to him,” Bella says in the clip.
Bella added that with so much negativity in the world right now, Sam stepping in as the Bachelor would give fans something to get excited about again.
“I think in 2026 we’ve had enough depression. We’ve had enough sadness in the world. It’s time to really hit back at those conservatives. I think we just, I think we need our first gay Bachelor season anyway, and who better than to front it? I just think the world needs a win right now. I think Sam needs a win. I think the world needs a win.”
“Please feel free to tag channel 10. I think it’s Channel 10 that does The Bachelor. Get him. Get him signed up. Let’s do it,” she concluded.
While Brooke Blurton was the first bisexual Bachelorette in the history of the international Bachelor franchise, there’s never been an openly gay male lead whose suitors are men.
MAFS fans get behind Sam becoming The Bachelor
MAFS fans were absolutely frothing at the idea of Sam becoming the Bachelor, with some thirsty guys jumping in the comments section to volunteer as contestants if he were cast.
“I don’t watch The Bachelor, but best believe I’d be applying if it went ahead,” one wrote, with another penning: “I will take the plunge into reality TV for Sam. Bring him on!!” A third commented, “If Sam is the Bachelor I’m applying too.”
Others were just excited at the potential of watching Sam search for love a second time on reality TV.
“OMG, yes, I have been saying the same. I have never watched The Bachelor, but I would watch Sam’s season,” one commented.
“THIS WOULD BE ICONIC! Nobody better for the role than our king,” another wrote.
However, a sweet person from the Netherlands believes that Sam will find his forever person outside of reality TV.
“Sam doesn’t need the bachelor. Hè is so beautiful inside and outside. He will find the right person. So Sam, stay as beautiful as you are. Lots of love from Holland,” they wrote.
Over to you, Sam!
Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2026 airs Sunday – Wednesday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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