In a surprising twist, it has been reported that Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden, known as The Golden Bachelor, became engaged to another woman after losing his wife Audrey, despite earlier claims of a lengthy single status.

The 61-year-old reality TV personality has been depicted on the dating show as having lived without a partner for 14 years following Audrey’s passing due to cancer.

However, according to a report by Woman’s Day on Monday, Bear actually had two notable relationships after Audrey’s death in 2012, including an engagement with one of the women.

An insider revealed to the magazine, “Bear was in a six-year relationship with his ex-fiancée, followed by a two-year romance with another woman.”

One of these relationships reportedly ended poorly, leading the woman to share Bear’s picture on the Facebook group Sis, Is This Your Man?, where users alert each other to men who exhibit questionable dating behavior.

Additionally, radio hosts Beau, Cat & Woodsy from Triple M delved into Bear’s romantic history on Monday, sharing their own theory that he might still be single, based on their recent interview with the Canadian-born engineer.

The Golden Bachelor Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden (pictured) was engaged to another woman following the death of his wife Audrey despite claims he remained single, a new report has alleged

‘He had a look on his face. Like he has picked someone and either she has rejected him or he has rejected her,’ Cat Lynch said.

‘You can tell he hasn’t found what he is looking for. I am saying he has found no one.’ 

Beau Ryan jumped in to say he had his own reasons for believing Bear was not currently smitten with anyone.

‘I spoke to Matty J, who does the Two Dating Dads podcast, and he interviewed him and yep. We’re saying the bloke’s not in love,’ Beau said. 

‘I’m saying he has picked someone but they said, “no”.’ 

It follows reports that Bear is hoping that lightning will strike twice for him on The Golden Bachelor.

During the series premiere last month, ahead of meeting the 20 ladies hoping to steal his heart in the anticipated series premiere on Monday, Bear shared an emotional tribute to his late wife, Audrey, who died at age 43. 

At the beginning of Monday’s episode, Bear was introduced to viewers as a father of three boys –  Charlie, 21, Jack, 20, and Declan, 17 – who had emigrated from Canada to Australia with Audrey two decades ago.

The reality TV star, 61, has been portrayed on the dating series as having been single for 14 years following Audrey’s death. Pictured: Audrey

However, Bear has reportedly had two significant relationships following Audrey’s death in 2012 – and was even engaged to one of the women, Woman’s Day claimed on Monday

‘It wasn’t always a smooth journey, though,’ Bear said as a stirring montage of photos and home videos featuring Audrey played. ‘There was a time when I didn’t sail solo.’

He continued: ‘I met Audrey, the love of my life in 1988 in Calgary, Canada. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one, and we just hit it off from there.

‘We got married, she gave me three beautiful boys, and all was right in the world.’

Bear then revealed that tragically, his wife was diagnosed with a ‘brain tumour which turned the family’s world upside down.’

‘One day she came home with a headache. We thought it was just a severe migraine. She went to the doctors and the next thing I knew she was being rushed into emergency surgery – it was a brain tumour,’ he explained.

‘It was just unfathomable. She had four major surgeries. The fourth surgery, she never came home.’

He then heartbreakingly explained how he told his three boys that they had lost their beloved mother. 

‘The boys were asking me where Mummy was, and I just said: ‘Mummy’s gone to sleep and Mummy’s not coming back,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Triple M stars Beau, Cat & Woodsy discussed Bear’s love life on Monday, and revealed their shock theory that he is still single after they recently interviewed the Canadian-born engineer. Bear is pictured with series host Samantha Armytage

Bear also admitted that while he was more than open to finding love on the Channel Nine series, the ladies vying for his heart had a lot to live up to.   

‘Audrey was more than one in a million; she was one in six billion,’ he said.

‘It’s been 14 years since her passing. I know deep down no one can replace her, but with the boys’ love and support, I know I can possibly find love again.’

Bear also displayed a level of vulnerability while chatting to host Samantha Armytage before the first introductions, as he continues to dismiss rumours he is romantically involved with the series host.

‘I’m feeling excited, but scared and nervous,’ he said, and Samantha asked the reality star what he was scared about.

‘Just putting myself out there and being vulnerable,’ he said.

Samantha also asked Bear what was lacking in his life and what he was hoping to get out of his reality TV experience. 

‘I’m lacking in my life, just companionship,’ he said.

‘I had the love of my life and I lost her and I think I’m ready to move on and find a lasting relationship.’