‘PAD’ PAIRS: Two couples from this season of “Bachelor Pad” are reportedly still together, including one pair that is said to be engaged. (
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In the alternate universe that is ABC’s “Bachelor Pad,” everyone seems to be wearing rose-colored glasses this season.
The contestant couples are falling in love left and right.
Unlike “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” which are ostensibly about finding love, “Bachelor Pad” makes no false pretenses. The contestants are usually there to win the $250,000 prize any way they can. If they get some casual sexy time with other schemers along the way, all the better.
This season, the players seem to be realizing that if you can’t win the cash, you might as well leave with a soulmate.
“Bachelor Pad” is an elimination-style competition that pits former “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” castoffs against one another in silly events (a rhythmic gymnastics event, an ice cream obstacle course, and a spelling bee, to name a few).
Relationships on this show are often grounded in strategy rather than love, with contestants forming alliances (and breaking them in dramatic fashion) to strengthen their chances at winning the prize. This season, three couples have wound up in a real-life romance.
“Bachelorette” villain Kalon McMahon and perky Lindzi Cox fell in love in spite of themselves. “Finding you is the most pleasant surprise I could’ve ever dreamed of,” McMahon confessed.
When they were both eliminated, they left in the same limousine, and they reportedly remain a couple today. McMahon has been posting photos on Twitter that strongly suggest they’re still together.
Former Hooters waitress Blakeley Jones and lumber trader Tony Pieper, perhaps the most unlikely pair to come out of Season 3, hooked up on their overnight date in an Airstream trailer. According to at least one report, they become engaged on the season finale of the show.
Michael Stagliano and Rachel Truehart sure seemed to be falling in love after their group rock concert date.
Stagliano said early on, “I want butterflies. I want to see if there’s a girl here that I like. That’s why I’m here.”
These amorous intentions only make sense when you remember that Stagliano won last season of “Bachelor Pad” — splitting the prize with his former fiancée Holly Durst. He was recently sent home, leaving Truehart to fend to the end alone.
They are one couple that reportedly hasn’t made it past the booze-soaked confines of the mansion.
Although Cupid clearly took up residence in the Pad this season, the competition remains hot and heavy — with no romantic overtones — for others.
“I’m here for myself to win this game,” said Chris Bukowski, one of the remaining contestants still in the hunt.