Debbie Siebers Opens Up About Emotional Golden Bachelor Exit & Golden Bachelorette Dreams

After a heartbreaking goodbye on The Golden Bachelor, fan-favorite Debbie Siebers is ready to share her feelings about Mel Owens' decision and her surprising aspirations to lead the next Golden Bachelorette season. Get the full scoop on why her journey ended and what might be next!

TL;DR

• Debbie Siebers, 65, was eliminated by Mel Owens during the emotional hometown dates on October 22, finishing in third place.
• Fans reacted strongly to Mel's decision, calling him "cold" and "terrible" after Debbie's vulnerable disclosures.
• Debbie has expressed keen interest in becoming the next Golden Bachelorette, highlighting her unique life experience.

A Heartfelt Journey Culminates in a Tearful Hometown Farewell

Well, Bachelor Nation, we knew it would be tough, but the latest episode of The Golden Bachelor certainly delivered a punch to the gut. Our beloved Debbie Siebers, the vibrant 65-year-old fitness guru from Denver, saw her journey with Mel Owens come to an unexpected end during the highly anticipated hometown dates on October 22. It was a moment that left many viewers, and Debbie herself, reeling.

Debbie was one of Mel's final three women, alongside Peg Munson and Cindy Cullers. During her hometown visit in Denver, Mel met her siblings, and the connection seemed strong. He even told the camera that he and Debbie shared a "soulful" bond, feeling good around her, loving her zest for life, and explicitly stating, "Debbie is a person I could see a life with after this." When she charmingly told him, "I don't want you to go," he even playfully responded, "I'm not going." But alas, as we've learned in Bachelor lore, promises made during dates don't always hold up at the rose ceremony.

Despite their seemingly deep connection and the sweet family introduction, Mel made the incredibly difficult choice to send Debbie home, opting to continue his quest for love with Peg and Cindy. He admitted to the camera, "My heart doesn't feel OK with it," and assured Debbie that she had "touched my heart in more ways than one." Still, the decision was final, leaving Debbie heartbroken and many fans questioning Mel's judgment.

Why Debbie's Emotional Exit Sparked Major Fan Outcry Against Mel Owens

Debbie's departure wasn't just a sad moment; it ignited a firestorm of fan backlash against Mel Owens. Viewers took to social media, expressing frustration and disappointment with the 66-year-old former NFL player. Many felt Mel was "a cold fish," showing "no emotion, sense of humor, affection," and some even went as far as to call the entire season "a sham."

A significant part of the emotional impact came from Debbie's immense vulnerability during her time on the show. She courageously shared the heartbreaking story of losing the last man she loved to suicide after his battle with depression. To see her open her heart up to love again, only to be sent home, was a tough pill for many to swallow. Host Jesse Palmer acknowledged this, stating, "I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Debbie to open up about, and I give her so much credit for being so brave and vulnerable in that moment with Mel." He expressed his sincere hope that she'll keep her heart open because "that woman deserves to find true love."

This isn't the first time Mel has faced criticism this season. Earlier, he drew flak for comments about only wanting women between the ages of "45 to 60," which some saw as dismissive of older contestants. The accumulated sentiment, coupled with a reported viewership drop compared to Gerry Turner's inaugural season, has made Mel a target for viewer discontent, especially after letting Debbie go.

"I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Debbie to open up about... Debbie took a leap of faith and was willing to open her heart to finding love on this journey, and the fact that she didn't find it with Mel after everything she's endured in her life is heartbreaking."

— Jesse Palmer, Host of The Golden Bachelor

From Beloved Contestant to Potential Golden Bachelorette Frontrunner?

While her journey with Mel may have ended, Debbie Siebers is far from giving up on love – and she's even thrown her hat into the ring for a much bigger role! In an exclusive interview with Parade, Debbie unequivocally stated that she would "definitely do it" if asked to be the next Golden Bachelorette. "How could I pass up that opportunity? I mean, I am ready for love. I have put myself out there, and I'm gonna keep going," she declared.

Debbie believes she has so much more to show the world than what Mel got to see. She described herself as "very funny," someone who loves "to dance and sing," and someone with a "deep" and "spiritual" side, balanced with a "fun-loving" and "motivational" personality. She also emphasized her "small town girl" roots from Little Chute, Wisconsin, which she's never lost.

One aspect that makes Debbie a particularly compelling candidate is her unique life story for the franchise. Unlike many of her castmates who are divorced or widowed with children, Debbie has never been married and does not have kids. This was a "huge concern" for her when she first applied, but she's proud to represent women with similar experiences. "I really believe that women like myself need to be represented," she shared with Bustle. She candidly told Us Weekly that she "gave up on the whole idea of ever getting married" and finding that "fairy tale ending" would be "so magical."

The Race for the Rose: Debbie Faces Competition for the Golden Bachelorette Title

It seems Debbie isn't the only former Golden Bachelor contestant eyeing the leading role. Nicolle Briscoe, another yoga instructor from Mel's season who was eliminated earlier, has also publicly expressed her desire to become The Golden Bachelorette. Nicolle previously told Parade that she believes she would be an "interesting candidate" and bring "high viewership" because she is "unexpected."

However, Nicolle's bid for the spin-off might be an uphill battle. She earned a "villain" label during her time on the show after being caught admitting she wanted "Housewives status" and was "dating America" for self-promotion. She also caused controversy by reportedly dissing the attractiveness of previous season's contestants.

Debbie, when asked about Nicolle's aspirations, responded thoughtfully, "I don't really see that happening at all because unfortunately, she's really carved out a whole different thing for herself." While she expressed affection for Nicolle ("I love the girl. I just adore her."), she also admitted disappointment, finding her "sad and troubled, actually, and curious" and surprised by her comments on Mel's show.

Producers could go with either Debbie or Nicolle, choose someone entirely new (as they did with Mel Owens from outside the franchise), or even opt for a dual Bachelorette season, mirroring what they've done with the younger Bachelorette in the past (like Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey). Only time will tell who will get to lead their own journey for love.

Beyond the Roses: Debbie Siebers' Impressive Life and Lasting Friendships

Before her time captivating audiences on The Golden Bachelor, Debbie Siebers had already built an impressive career as a "celebrity fitness guru." According to her Instagram bio, she's a fitness and wellness expert, motivational speaker, and author. She started her journey as a personal trainer in 1989 after overcoming her own struggles with eating habits and weight. She later teamed up with Beachbody in 1998 to create The Great Body Collection, and famously developed her popular at-home workout program, Slim in 6, which is still widely available today.

Her experience extends to other fitness programs like Body Dynamix, and she's a trainer for the FitOn app. You might have also seen her on television as a trainer for the Fox reality show The Swan, or on shows like Fitting It In and National Body Challenge. Her ABC bio even notes her work with "countless celebrity clients."

Despite the competitive nature of The Golden Bachelor, Debbie formed incredibly strong bonds with her fellow contestants. "Our bond is like no other because all of us have been through so much in our lives," Debbie shared. She described their shared experience of taking a "giant risk" and putting themselves out there as a testament to their courage and a bond that "will last a lifetime." She even received a video of her romance with Mel, created by fellow finalist Peg Munson, highlighting the deep "sisterhood" that formed among the women.

Jesse Palmer's Take on Mel's Caution and the "Bro-ing Out"

In an email interview, host Jesse Palmer shed some light on Mel's perspective during the hometown dates. He noted that Mel was "very cautious to not overpromise with the women and families," wanting to put their hearts at rest without regretting anything he might say later. This cautious approach was evident when Cindy Cullers' daughter, Sarah, directly asked Mel if he could picture himself with Cindy in 20 years, to which he only offered a neutral, "Potentially. You never know, because I'm still getting to know her."

Jesse also found it interesting that the daughters of Peg and Cindy were "bringing the heat" with tough questions, eager to protect their mothers' hearts. Meanwhile, the brothers and sons of the contestants seemed more "chill," "bro-ing out" with the former NFL player. It seems family dynamics certainly played a role in how Mel's relationships were scrutinized!

While Debbie's time on The Golden Bachelor has ended, her vulnerability, resilience, and open heart have clearly resonated with viewers. Whether she finds love as The Golden Bachelorette or in another chapter of her life, it's clear that Debbie Siebers is a woman who isn't afraid to put herself out there.

FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About Debbie Siebers & The Golden Bachelor

When did Debbie Siebers leave The Golden Bachelor? Debbie Siebers was eliminated by Mel Owens during the hometown dates episode of The Golden Bachelor, which aired on Wednesday, October 22. What is Debbie Siebers' age and profession? Debbie Siebers is 65 years old and is a celebrated fitness and wellness expert, known as a "celebrity fitness guru." She created the popular Slim in 6 workout program and has worked with many clients and appeared on TV shows. Has Debbie Siebers ever been married or had children? No, Debbie Siebers has never been married and does not have any children. She is proud to represent women who haven't experienced marriage or motherhood and hopes to find love. Where can I watch The Golden Bachelor? The Golden Bachelor airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Sources:

• Entertainment Weekly
• Parade
• Bustle
• Us Weekly
• Star Magazine
• Now.com