Charles Ling is not in charge of which scenes make the final cut of The Golden Bachelorette.
So the fan favorite is revealing a heartwarming moment that didn’t air—and it involves his castmate Bob Kilroy.
“After I learned he’s a superior swimmer, I said, 'Bob, why I can't swim fast? I really struggle,’” Charles recalled in an exclusive interview with E! News. “So he said, 'Show me how you swim,' and I showed him. He said, 'Charles, one of the major issues you're having here—you kick your feet too often and too much.' He said, 'Calm down. Don't kick your feet. Just let it swim smoothly.'"
So, the retired data analyst gave the chiropractor’s suggestion a try.
"Guess what?" he added. "I followed his advice, and instantly I changed. And he complimented [and said], "'Charles, I never found a student learning things that fast.' It is a big, big surprise for me too. I really benefit a lot. Now, when I'm in the swimming pool these days, oh, it's totally different."
Viewers fell in love with Charles just as quickly as they watched him vie for Joan Vassos’ heart on the first-ever season of The Golden Bachelorette. And though the 66-year-old didn't nab her final rose, he said all the attention has been a “big surprise” for him.
“I anticipate all the nice fans out there,” he continued, “but I never expected that many nice great fans love my show.”
While Charles admitted he hasn’t had the chance to read all the love he’s received on social media, he’s touched by how much viewers care about him and how they recognize his care for others.
“One message I read is they would do whatever they can to protect Charles,” the reality star shared. “That is a strong, strong message. I really appreciate it.”
As for how his daughters feel about his newfound fame?
“They are also kind of shocked and surprised,” he noted, “and I think that they will learn to deal with it.”
Charles also thinks his late wife would be supportive of his journey and new life in the spotlight.
“Of course, first, it will be surprise for her too,’” the father of two, who noted on the ABC series his wife of 36 years died of a brain aneurysm six years ago, told E!. “She said, ‘Well, Charles, usually, sometimes he's pretty shy person.’ But also she'll be worried about myself too. She loved to see me reach out and seek my new happy life all over again rather than being kind of sad all day long. That’s not what she wanted to see. She wanted to see a happy and like an old Charles L.”
While Joan sent Charles home week four, he said he still stays in touch with several guys from the show (yes, they have a group chat). As for his relationship status, the former contestant confirmed he’s single and that he’s looking for someone who is sweet and intelligent.
But would Charles ever consider handing out the roses as the Golden Bachelor?
“I haven't thought about it,” he replied. “But based on the feedback from the fans and if the opportunity knocks on my door, I would consider. Because it would be another good opportunity.”
And embracing new adventures is exactly what Charles advises anyone in their golden years seeking connection to do.
“You've got to open up yourself,” he said. “Never think you're too old. Age really doesn't mean anything in a sense. You have to be optimistic. The outside of your world is really unlimited. You never know. You see the way that the gentleman in the group talk? Oh boy, some are more than like professors. Others are more than like diplomats. They really, really talk well….You can always pick up something new. So, I will keep doing this as well.”
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.