The 72-year-old Gerry Turner, became the first Golden Bachelor on the dating reality TV show, following his quest to find true love among the 22 eligible women in their 60s and 70s. As the show reached its finale, he narrowed his choices down to Leslie Fhima and Theresa Nist.
While the odds and circumstances appeared in Fhima’s favor at the time, with Turner even telling her that she could be “the one” during their overnight date, he chose Nist, leaving Fhima heartbroken. However, the events that unfolded after the show ended have left many wondering that Fhima may have dodged a bullet with Gerry Turner.
Gerry Turner Broke Leslie Fhima’s Heart in The Golden Bachelor Finale
Leslie Fhima was initially not a frontrunner in winning the heart of The Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner, a retired restaurateur and widower, who lost his beloved wife in 2017. However, the fitness instructor caught his attention as the show progressed.
The show reveals that Fhima had been divorced twice with her last separation dating back to 22 years ago. Having been single since then, her hopes of falling in love again seem to be rekindled, especially after Turner told her, “I think you’re the one” during their fantasy suite date.
However, Fhima was left heartbroken when Turner chose Theresa Nist over her. In the show’s finale, he decided to propose to 70-year-old Theresa Nist and the two later married in a televised ceremony in January 2024.
The marriage, however, did not last long, as Nist and Turner announced their separation just three months after their wedding. The couple cited issues with their living arrangements as the reason for the split.
Leslie Fhima’s Narrow Escape From The Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner
Two months after announcing their split, Turner and Nist reached a settlement in their divorce on June 13. However, things were far from as they appeared. A 2023 report from The Hollywood Reporter cited several inconsistencies between Turner’s on-screen persona and his real life.
While the show portrayed Turner as a grieving widower who hadn’t dated since his wife passed away in 2017, the report, stating his work history and previous romantic relationships, also detailed a three-year romance that was not mentioned on the show.
As per The New York Times, Gerry Turner refused to directly address the claims, saying he had only briefly reviewed the report and could not confirm its veracity.
Although it must have been heartbreaking when Turner chose Nist over her, Leslie Fhima should be grateful she escaped the claims made about The Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner.
She has since moved on with her life. Fhima has started new dance teaching classes and is spending her time with her family and friends. When asked during an appearance on the Playing the Field podcast if she would give Turner a second chance, the fitness instructor denied it.
“I care a lot about him but… I’m no one’s second choice,” she said before adding, “That window’s closed for me.” Despite such heartbreak, she has described her experience on the reality TV show as life-changing.
The Golden Bachelor is available to watch on Hulu.
