I No Longer Think The Golden Bachelorette Fan-Favorite Charles Ling Will Be The Next Golden Bachelor (Contrary To Rumors)

I've changed my mind and no longer believe that The Golden Bachelorette fan-favorite Charles Ling will be the next Golden Bachelor, contrary to rumors. Charles, a 66-year-old retired Data Analyst, competed on The Golden Bachelorette season 1 with lead Joan Vassos at the behest of his two daughters. Charles had lost his wife of 36 years six years prior to going on the show. It became obvious throughout his four weeks on the show that Charles still had a lot of pain and healing to work through from that major loss.

However, by the end of the season, Charles got answers he needed about his wife's final moments, and was able to gain a greater sense of peace and resolve. Charles was joined in The Golden Bachelorette by 23 other single Golden men. In the end, season-long frontrunner Chock Chapple was Joan's winner, and the two left the experience engaged. The Golden Bachelorette received wide praise from viewers, and I watched Charles become the season's breakout star, leading me to believe he should be the next lead. However, I think differently now.

Charles Was The Golden Bachelorette Fan Favorite

Charles Brought The Comedic Relief

I felt Bachelor Nation's Charles was extremely charismatic from the moment he stepped out of the limo and greeted Joan. "Charles not in charge" quickly became a beloved one-liner in the season, and I grew even more fond of Charles because of his comedic relief, genuine nature, and profound love for his late wife. I saw Charles also gain a group of new best friends in his competition, as he was loved by all. Joan even told Charles she loved him upon his elimination.

Come the "Men Tell All," the crowd had strong adoration for Charles, with many calling for him to be the next Golden lead. I noticed that Charles was also coined "The internet's boyfriend," adding to the notion for me that Charles should be the next lead. I was joined in my thoughts about Charles by other The Golden Bachelorette fans online as well. On Reddit, u/pockpunk started a thread about "protect[ing] Charles at all costs," with echoed sentiments like mine.

"Golden bachelor just got the lead they never knew they needed! Charles L is the best man to come from the golden franchise so far!"

Charles Had A Timid Take On Being The Golden Bachelor

Does Charles Want The Role?

At the "Men Tell All," Charles was confronted with questions about his thoughts on becoming The Golden Bachelorette's biggest sensation, and I noticed he was taken aback.

"I’m kind of thrilled, [it’s] something probably I never expected. Honestly, this is a surprise, I would say a big surprise — I never thought I’d be loved to that extent, it’s kind of a phenomenon. I’m just grateful … and I thank those fans."

Upon Bachelor Nation's call at the "Men Tell All" for Charles to be the next Golden Bachelor, Charles offered a more timid response.

"I’ll see what will happen and what I should do, but … not at this moment."

To me, Charles seemed intimidated by the idea of becoming Bachelor Nation's next lead. I know the role is life-changing, and I think Charles and his sensitive nature would struggle to fulfill everything the role requires. My thoughts are also shared by other Golden fans.

Redditor u/usweeklymag started a thread weighing whether Charles could take on role and a popular general response was prevalent.

" I would love to see Charles find love but I don’t think he could carry the show alone."

I share the same perception as this narrative now. While I am rooting for Charles, I don't think he has the dating skillset to juggle that many women's emotions and hearts, and think the experience would be overwhelming for him.