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October 06, 2023

'Golden Bachelor' Delco contestant pops out of giant birthday cake, discusses Italian cooking in new episode

Susan Noles, an Aston resident who was once married to former Phillie Dickie Noles, has received two roses during the first two weeks of ABC's new dating show

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susan noles golden bachelor John Fleenor/ABC

Susan Noles, of Aston, shares a moment with 'Golden Bachelor' lead Gerry Turner during the second episode of ABC's new dating show.

Delco-native Susan Noles was given a rose during the second episode of ABC's new senior-citizen dating show "The Golden Bachelor," meaning her time on the show will continue.

The 66-year-old wedding officiant from Aston is among a group of women vying for the heart of 72-year-old Gerry Turner, a widower from Indiana. In the latest episode, which aired Thursday, Turner embarked on his first one-on-one date as well as a group date that included Noles. 


MORE: Delco woman to compete for heart of 'Golden Bachelor' on ABC's new dating show


This article contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 2 of "The Golden Bachelor."

At the start of the episode, Noles — who received Turner's final rose in the previous episode — and the other women move into the famed Bachelor Mansion. Despite their excitement, the move-in devolves into laughter when the women, ages 60 to 75, realize they will be sharing the bunk beds and other not-so-comfortable living arrangements usually equipped for "The Bachelor" franchise's 20- and 30-somethings. 

Turner's first one-on-one date of the season was awarded to Theresa Nist, 69, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Noles, who says she has worked as a stylist for 35 years, assists Nist by curling her hair before her date, displaying the camaraderie between contestants which has delighted fans so far.

Later in the episode, Noles has the chance to show off her Delco flair during the first group date, a "romance novel cover" themed photoshoot. Noles rocks head-to-toe pink and matching peace-sign earrings to pose with Turner.

In another segment, the women invite Turner to the Bachelor Mansion for a party to celebrate his 72nd birthday. Noles, once again showing off her fashion sense in a fringed white frock, pops out of a gigantic birthday cake to surprise Turner.

susan noles golden bachelor cakeJohn Fleenor/ABC

During the second episode of 'The Golden Bachelor,' Delco-native Susan Noles emerges from a giant cake during a surprise party for lead Gerry Turner's 72nd birthday.

At the party, Turner sits down with Noles for a poolside chat. Noles tells Turner about her love for Italian-style cooking, which she displays for her fellow contestants by cooking them chicken piccata and meatballs.

"You have my attention," Turner jokes after hearing about Noles' cooking talents.

During another emotional rose ceremony at the end of the episode, in which Turner becomes tearful as he bids farewell to a few more women, Noles — donning a sparkly lime-green gown — receives a rose and therefore will continue her journey for love.

In addition to working as a hair and makeup artist, Noles runs Nuptials by Noles, a company that officiates wedding ceremonies in the Philadelphia region. She was previously married to Dickie Noles, who pitched for the Phillies in the 1980 World Series and now works for the team.

Turner is a retired restaurateur, father and grandfather who has won the hearts of Bachelor Nation with his earnest charm and poignant tales of a 43-year-long marriage with his high school sweetheart, Toni, who died abruptly in 2017. Other widowed contestants have openly discussed grief and fondly reflected on their relationships with former partners.

"The Golden Bachelor," which premiered last Thursday, has so far received positive reviews from critics and fans of all ages who label it a refreshing departure from other shows in the franchise that often feature fame-hunters and nasty drama. The series premiere earned a three-year high for the "Bachelor" franchise in total viewers.

The show airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and can be streamed the next day on Hulu.


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