First look at The Bachelor contestants as they film group date scenes in Sydney


Filming is well and truly underway on the upcoming season of The Bachelor, with this year’s hopefuls spotted filming group date scenes in Sydney on Tuesday.

The bachelorettes were spotted sitting on the steps outside of The Paper Mill in Liverpool as they waited in between takes.

It’s the first time many of the girls have been seen, with their identities not yet revealed ahead of the upcoming season, which will air later in the year.

Lights, cameras, action: Filming is well and truly underway on the upcoming season of The Bachelor, with this year’s hopefuls spotted filming group date scenes in Sydney on Tuesday

And they seem to have forged a close bond, happily chatting and hugging as they stood together in a group.

The girls were dressed casually for the outing to the relatively new dining precinct in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Despite filming out in the open, not all the young women were keen to be seen, with one contestant pulling a denim jacket over her head and face.

Waiting around: The bachelorettes were spotted on the steps outside of The Paper Mill in Liverpool as they waited in between takes

Waiting around: The bachelorettes were spotted on the steps outside of The Paper Mill in Liverpool as they waited in between takes

Unveiling: It's the first time many of the girls have been seen, with their identities not yet revealed ahead of the upcoming season, which will air later in the year

Unveiling: It’s the first time many of the girls have been seen, with their identities not yet revealed ahead of the upcoming season, which will air later in the year

Looking for love: Locky Gilbert was announced as this year's Bachelor on March 4, with the show's Instagram page posting: 'Australia, say hello to your Bachelor for 2020, Locky'

Talk it over: Two young women were spotted chatting animatedly as they waited to film scenes for the hit series

Looking for love: Locky Gilbert was announced as this year’s Bachelor on March 4, with the show’s Instagram page posting: ‘Australia, say hello to your Bachelor for 2020, Locky’

Comparing notes: Three women sat huddled together on the stairs, chatting animatedly, while one contender wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders

Comparing notes: Three women sat huddled together on the stairs, chatting animatedly, while one contender wrapped an arm around her friend’s shoulders

Another walked behind her, keeping her head down, with a hooded jacket pulled up over her head. 

While they’re all competing for new Bachelor Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert’s affections, there didn’t seem to be any animosity between the women.

In fact, they were openly affectionate with each other, with several of the hopefuls sharing a hug at the bottom of the stairs.

Keeping it casual: The girls were dressed casually for the outing to the relatively new dining precinct in Sydney's western suburbs

Keeping it casual: The girls were dressed casually for the outing to the relatively new dining precinct in Sydney’s western suburbs

Looking forward to it: Osher has also spoken about Locky being the latest Bachelor on his own Instagram, raving about how excited he was to work on the show

Killing time: The girls patiently waited for Locky to arrive so they could film scenes for the show

Looking forward to it: Osher has also spoken about Locky being the latest Bachelor on his own Instagram, raving about how excited he was to work on the show

Good friends: While they're all competing for new Bachelor Locklan 'Locky' Gilbert's affections, there didn't seem to be any animosity between the women

Good friends: While they’re all competing for new Bachelor Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert’s affections, there didn’t seem to be any animosity between the women

Wild ride: Locky has addressed his casting on his own Instagram, calling the show another 'adventure'

Wild ride: Locky has addressed his casting on his own Instagram, calling the show another ‘adventure’

Three women sat huddled together on the stairs, chatting animatedly, while one contender wrapped an arm around her friend’s shoulders.

Another young woman rested her head on her friend’s shoulder as they sat together on the concrete steps. 

After a lot of waiting around, the women were eventually ushered inside, with a sign on the door declaring the premises ‘closed for a private event’.

Sneaking around: In what is perhaps a nod to the 30-year-old Bachelor's laidback, adventurous spirit, the majority of women stepped out in jeans and sneakers

Sneaking around: In what is perhaps a nod to the 30-year-old Bachelor’s laidback, adventurous spirit, the majority of women stepped out in jeans and sneakers

'Pack your bags Australia, I am beyond excited to be announced as this year's Bachelor and cannot wait to share this epic romantic adventure with you all,' Locky wrote on Instagram

‘Pack your bags Australia, I am beyond excited to be announced as this year’s Bachelor and cannot wait to share this epic romantic adventure with you all,’ Locky wrote on Instagram

Hiding in place sight: Despite filming out in the open, not all the young women were keen to be seen, with one contestant pulling a denim jacket over her head and face

Undercover: Another walked behind her, keeping her head down, with a hooded jacket pulled up over her head

Hiding in place sight: Despite filming out in the open, not all the young women were keen to be seen, with one contestant pulling a denim jacket over her head and face

Incognito: Many of the contestants were previously spotted leaving a hotel in Sydney's Homebush last Wednesday, but they doggedly kept a low profile

Incognito: Many of the contestants were previously spotted leaving a hotel in Sydney’s Homebush last Wednesday, but they doggedly kept a low profile

Orange witches hats appear to have been used to cordon off the area, with a male crew member leading the girls down a path.  

There seems to be an eclectic mix of women on this year’s season, with blondes, brunettes and redheads of different ethnicities vying for Locky’s heart.

And in what is perhaps a nod to the 30-year-old Bachelor’s laidback, adventurous spirit, the majority of women stepped out in jeans and sneakers.

Mixing it up: There seems to be an eclectic mix of women on this year's season, with blondes, brunettes and redheads of different ethnicities vying for Locky's heart

Mixing it up: There seems to be an eclectic mix of women on this year’s season, with blondes, brunettes and redheads of different ethnicities vying for Locky’s heart

Hug it out: They were openly affectionate with each other, with several of the hopefuls sharing a hug at the bottom of the stairs

Hug it out: They were openly affectionate with each other, with several of the hopefuls sharing a hug at the bottom of the stairs

In fashion: The contestants looked chic in their respective ensembles, with many opting for patterned outfits

Keeping it short: One contenders opted for a figure-skimming floral-print mini-dress with a sweetheart neckline

In fashion: The contestants looked chic in their respective ensembles, with many opting for patterned outfits

'I'm thrilled to announce that your Bachelor for 2020 is successful CEO, Cave Diver, Mountaineer, Skydiver and occasional visitor to Fiji, @locklangilbert,' Osher wrote

‘I’m thrilled to announce that your Bachelor for 2020 is successful CEO, Cave Diver, Mountaineer, Skydiver and occasional visitor to Fiji, @locklangilbert,’ Osher wrote

Nine girls were present for the group date, with a rack of clothing set up just outside of the venue.

Producers were on hand to oversee the filming, with a female producer spotted walking alongside a bleached blonde contestant.

Eventually, Locky made his way over to the venue too, flanked by two male crew members.

Ready for action: Eventually, Bachelor Locky Gilbert made his way over to the venue too, flanked by two male crew members

Ready for action: Eventually, Bachelor Locky Gilbert made his way over to the venue too, flanked by two male crew members

All dressed up: The former Survivor contestant looked smart in a pair of dark blue jeans, which he paired with a long-sleeve white shirt and navy blue knit sweater

All dressed up: The former Survivor contestant looked smart in a pair of dark blue jeans, which he paired with a long-sleeve white shirt and navy blue knit sweater

Just another day at the office: The group was later joined by host Osher Gunsberg, who walked to the set with a group of female crew members trailing behind him

Just another day at the office: The group was later joined by host Osher Gunsberg, who walked to the set with a group of female crew members trailing behind him

'There's no denying I've had some incredible, heart-stopping experiences for both work and fun, but this takes the cake,' Locky wrote on Instagram

‘There’s no denying I’ve had some incredible, heart-stopping experiences for both work and fun, but this takes the cake,’ Locky wrote on Instagram

Taking a walk: One woman appeared nervous as she was escorted across the premises by a female producer

In and out: Dressed in a houndstooth miniskirt and matching blazer, the young woman appeared to have been taking deep breaths

Taking a walk: One woman appeared nervous as she was escorted across the premises by a female producer

The former Survivor contestant looked smart in a pair of dark blue jeans, which he paired with a long-sleeve white shirt and navy blue knit sweater.

He nervously adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he walked to the show’s makeshift set.

The group was later joined by host Osher Gunsberg, who walked to the set with a group of female crew members trailing behind him.

Waiting it out: Having already forged a close camaraderie, the women all huddled together on the stairs, waiting to film

Waiting it out: Having already forged a close camaraderie, the women all huddled together on the stairs, waiting to film

Close: Two contenders shared a friendly embrace as their co-stars sat talking alongside them on the steps

Group chat: A group of young women stood chatting, patiently waiting for filming to start

Close: Two contenders shared a friendly embrace as their co-stars sat talking alongside them on the steps

First look: This year's contestants are yet to be officially announced, but Bachelor fans have been given their first glimpse at them

First look: This year’s contestants are yet to be officially announced, but Bachelor fans have been given their first glimpse at them

Osher, 45, donned a hip ensemble consisting of dark blue jeans, which he wore cuffed at the ankles, a striped T-shirt and navy blue bomber jacket.

Many of the contestants were previously spotted leaving a hotel in Sydney’s Homebush last Wednesday, but they doggedly kept a low profile.

Wearing matching black hooded jackets and sunglasses, the girls seemed determined to hide from onlookers as they made their way over to The Bachelor mansion.

Exhausting work: Another young woman rested her head on her friend's shoulder as they sat together on the concrete steps

Exhausting work: Another young woman rested her head on her friend’s shoulder as they sat together on the concrete steps

Playing up: The women kept themselves entertained between takes, playfully embracing each other as they chatted

Speaking out: Three women appeared to be involved in a deep and meaningful conversation as they sat on the steps

Playing up: The women kept themselves entertained between takes, playfully embracing each other as they chatted

Closed set: Orange witches hats appear to have been used to cordon off the area, with crew members leading the girls down a path

Closed set: Orange witches hats appear to have been used to cordon off the area, with crew members leading the girls down a path

Show time: After a lot of waiting around, the women were eventually ushered inside, with a sign on the door declaring the premises 'closed for a private event'

Show time: After a lot of waiting around, the women were eventually ushered inside, with a sign on the door declaring the premises ‘closed for a private event’

Everlasting love: According to The Bachelor's Instagram page, Locky is 'looking for a special partner to share these crazy adventures with'

Everlasting love: According to The Bachelor’s Instagram page, Locky is ‘looking for a special partner to share these crazy adventures with’

Locky was announced as this year’s Bachelor on March 4, with the show’s Instagram page posting: ‘Australia, say hello to your Bachelor for 2020, Locky’.

They later said he’s ‘looking for a special partner to share these crazy adventures with’.

Locky later addressed his casting on his own Instagram, calling the show another ‘adventure’.

'If I have that excitement with someone, it is full steam ahead and before you know it I'm in love again,' Locky told The Daily Telegraph

‘If I have that excitement with someone, it is full steam ahead and before you know it I’m in love again,’ Locky told The Daily Telegraph

Stirring up trouble: Despite insisting he's looking for long-term romance, Locky has already faced his share of controversy in the wake of landing The Bachelor

Stirring up trouble: Despite insisting he’s looking for long-term romance, Locky has already faced his share of controversy in the wake of landing The Bachelor

'As big as I am, I am like a big teddy bear and I fall in love pretty quick,' Locky told The Daily Telegraph ahead of his appearance on The Bachelor

‘As big as I am, I am like a big teddy bear and I fall in love pretty quick,’ Locky told The Daily Telegraph ahead of his appearance on The Bachelor

Good jeans: Denim seems to be a popular wardrobe item on this year's season of The Bachelor, with many of the girls stepping out in the staple

Feeling cheeky: One contestant sported a pair of jeans with a strategically placed rip on the bottom

Good jeans: Denim seems to be a popular wardrobe item on this year’s season of The Bachelor, with many of the girls stepping out in the staple

‘There’s no denying I’ve had some incredible, heart-stopping experiences for both work and fun, but this takes the cake,’ he wrote. 

‘Pack your bags Australia, I am beyond excited to be announced as this year’s Bachelor and cannot wait to share this epic romantic adventure with you all.’

Osher also spoke about Locky being the latest Bachelor on his own Instagram, raving about how excited he was to work on the show.  

Longtime host: Osher proudly announced that after years of being on television, The Bachelor has now been his longest running gig

Longtime host: Osher proudly announced that after years of being on television, The Bachelor has now been his longest running gig

Friendly competition: They seem to have forged a close bond, happily chatting and hugging as they stood together in a group

Friendly competition: They seem to have forged a close bond, happily chatting and hugging as they stood together in a group

Costume change: Nine girls were present for the group date, with a rack of clothing set up just outside of the venue

Costume change: Nine girls were present for the group date, with a rack of clothing set up just outside of the venue

'I've never got to make eight seasons of anything. What a way to break a record! Bring on season 8 of #thebachelorau,' Osher wrote on Instagram

‘I’ve never got to make eight seasons of anything. What a way to break a record! Bring on season 8 of #thebachelorau,’ Osher wrote on Instagram

‘I’m thrilled to announce that your Bachelor for 2020 is successful CEO, Cave Diver, Mountaineer, Skydiver and occasional visitor to Fiji, @locklangilbert,’ he wrote, adding, ‘Tag a mate that needs to know this important information.’

The veteran TV presenter proudly added that after years of being on television, this has been his longest running gig.  

‘I’ve never got to make eight seasons of anything. What a way to break a record! Bring on season 8 of #thebachelorau,’ he wrote.

Drama: Many of the girls appeared emotional as they stood outside the venue, with one girl seen covering her mouth

Drama: Many of the girls appeared emotional as they stood outside the venue, with one girl seen covering her mouth

Sneaking out: A few of the girls tried to make a low-profile exit, covering up in black hooded jackets and dark sunglasses

Sneaking out: A few of the girls tried to make a low-profile exit, covering up in black hooded jackets and dark sunglasses

'I really want to find love. I'm pretty content with my life at the moment. I go on crazy adventures, but I'm doing it all by myself,' Locky told The Daily Telegraph

‘I really want to find love. I’m pretty content with my life at the moment. I go on crazy adventures, but I’m doing it all by myself,’ Locky told The Daily Telegraph

Pretty in pink: One woman appeared dressed up in a pink one-shoulder mini-dress with ruching across the bodice

Pretty in pink: One woman appeared dressed up in a pink one-shoulder mini-dress with ruching across the bodice

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last Wednesday, Locky described himself as ‘a big teddy bear’.

‘As big as I am, I am like a big teddy bear and I fall in love pretty quick,’ he admitted. 

‘If I have that excitement with someone, it is full steam ahead and before you know it I’m in love again.’ 

Gossip girls: The women appeared to have plenty to talk about, as they gathered together on the steps

Gossip girls: The women appeared to have plenty to talk about, as they gathered together on the steps

'I want to get married, have kids, everything,' Locky said of his desire to find a woman who was serious about finding love on the show

Stepping out: Two women were spotted walking down the stairs together after filming scenes inside

‘I want to get married, have kids, everything,’ Locky said of his desire to find a woman who was serious about finding love on the show

On the hunt for 'the one': Locky told The Daily Telegraph he was hoping to 'find someone special at the end'

On the hunt for ‘the one’: Locky told The Daily Telegraph he was hoping to ‘find someone special at the end’

He also said he was hoping to ‘find someone special at the end’. 

‘I really want to find love. I’m pretty content with my life at the moment. I go on crazy adventures, but I’m doing it all by myself,’ he added.

‘I’ve got best friends but I want to find that one best friend that I can spend the rest of my life with.’

Forever young: Speaking to the Kyle & Jackie O Show, Locky said while he was open to creating personal connections with all the ladies in the mansion, he wasn't keen on dating people that were '20 or something'

Forever young: Speaking to the Kyle & Jackie O Show, Locky said while he was open to creating personal connections with all the ladies in the mansion, he wasn’t keen on dating people that were ’20 or something’

Hitting the jackpot: In an interview with Hit FM's Breakfast with Lise, Sarah, Dan & Ben last Wednesday, Locky's Survivor: All-Stars co-star Mat Rogers claimed he had money, not love, on his mind

'There's probably a lot of reasons, and they're all dollars,' the 44-year-old former rugby league footballer said of Locky's decision to appear on the reality show

Hitting the jackpot: In an interview with Hit FM’s Breakfast with Lise, Sarah, Dan & Ben last Wednesday, Locky’s Survivor: All-Stars co-star Mat Rogers claimed he had money, not love, on his mind

'I've got best friends but I want to find that one best friend that I can spend the rest of my life with,' Locky told The Daily Telegraph

‘I’ve got best friends but I want to find that one best friend that I can spend the rest of my life with,’ Locky told The Daily Telegraph

In an interview with the Kyle & Jackie O Show last Wednesday, Locky admitted he was ‘s**tting himself’ after being announced as this year’s Bachelor. 

And he said while he was open to creating personal connections with all the ladies in the mansion, he wasn’t keen on dating people that were ’20 or something’.

‘I want to get married, have kids, everything,’ Locky said of his desire to find a woman who was serious about finding love on the show.

Lean on me: Three women sat chatting together, with one girl wrapping an affectionate arm around her friend's shoulder

Lean on me: Three women sat chatting together, with one girl wrapping an affectionate arm around her friend’s shoulder

Jilted lover: Speaking to Hit92.9's Xavier Juelz & Pete on Tuesday, Perth-based Holly Newman claimed she was 'intimate' with Locky and hoped their relationship would progress to something more 'exclusive'

Jilted lover: Speaking to Hit92.9’s Xavier Juelz & Pete on Tuesday, Perth-based Holly Newman claimed she was ‘intimate’ with Locky and hoped their relationship would progress to something more ‘exclusive’

Soft inside: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last Wednesday, Locky described himself as 'a big teddy bear'

Soft inside: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last Wednesday, Locky described himself as ‘a big teddy bear’

But despite insisting he’s looking for long-term romance, the veteran reality star has already faced his share of controversy in the wake of landing The Bachelor.

Speaking to Hit92.9’s Xavier Juelz & Pete on Tuesday, Perth-based Holly Newman claimed she was ‘intimate’ with Locky and hoped their relationship would progress to something more ‘exclusive’. 

It follows reports Locky was also dating his Australian Survivor co-star Brooke Jowett, 26, until recently, as well as seeing model Charlie Octavia, 27. 

Rumoured romances: There have been reports Locky was dating his Australian Survivor co-star Brooke Jowett, 26, until recently, as well as seeing model Charlie Octavia, 27

Rumoured romances: There have been reports Locky was dating his Australian Survivor co-star Brooke Jowett, 26, until recently, as well as seeing model Charlie Octavia, 27

Bright futures: Many of the women needed a moment to adjust their eyes to the sun after filming inside

Bright futures: Many of the women needed a moment to adjust their eyes to the sun after filming inside

The radio hosts asked, ‘When was the last time you two were rounding a few bases?’ to which Holly said without hesitation: ‘Probably about a week before he was announced as The Bachelor.’   

‘I didn’t think we were exclusive, but I was hoping it would go that way,’ the 28-year-old said.

She added: ‘I definitely was not his girlfriend. I wouldn’t say we were together, we just met up more than five times – it’s modern dating.’

Taking charge: Locky's Survivor co-star, Mat Rogers said he didn't think of Locky as the type of guy who would sign up for The Bachelor, claiming: 'He certainly likes to be in control.'

Taking charge: Locky’s Survivor co-star, Mat Rogers said he didn’t think of Locky as the type of guy who would sign up for The Bachelor, claiming: ‘He certainly likes to be in control.’

Working it: Producers were on hand to oversee the filming, with a female producer spotted walking alongside a bleached blonde contestant

Working it: Producers were on hand to oversee the filming, with a female producer spotted walking alongside a bleached blonde contestant

And in an interview with Hit FM’s Breakfast with Lise, Sarah, Dan & Ben last Wednesday, Locky’s Survivor: All-Stars co-star Mat Rogers claimed he had money, not love, on his mind. 

‘There’s probably a lot of reasons, and they’re all dollars,’ the 44-year-old former rugby league footballer said of Locky’s decision to appear on the reality show.

Mat added he didn’t think of Locky as the type of guy who would sign up for The Bachelor, claiming: ‘He certainly likes to be in control.’

Feeling nervous: In an interview with the Kyle & Jackie O Show last Wednesday, Locky admitted he was 's**tting himself' after being announced as this year's Bachelor

Feeling nervous: In an interview with the Kyle & Jackie O Show last Wednesday, Locky admitted he was ‘s**tting himself’ after being announced as this year’s Bachelor