Minnesota's Leslie Fhima Takes Center Stage in Bachelor in Paradise

Costa Rica - As the sun sets over stunning Costa Rica, excitement is building for the return of one of reality TV’s favorite guilty pleasures, „Bachelor in Paradise.“ This season, featuring former contestants from „The Bachelor“ and „The Bachelorette,“ kicked off on July 7, 2025, ushering in a new era for the series. With local celebrity Leslie Fhima set to make her debut on Tuesday night, fans can hardly wait to see what unfolds on the pristine beaches that will serve as the backdrop for this season’s romances and drama. Leslie, a 66-year-old fitness instructor from Minneapolis, has expressed her enthusiasm for the show, stating her love for the beach and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends while potentially finding love again. As she prepares for her journey, she hopes to recreate the excitement that took her to the final two on „The Golden Bachelor“ where Gerry Turner ultimately chose another contestant, Theresa Nist.

This tenth installment marks a significant shift, as it showcases a „Golden“ cast, aged in their 60s and 70s, taking reality dating to an entirely new level. Highlights from this season include Gary Levingston, another familiar face from „The Golden Bachelorette.“ Alongside Fhima and Levingston, the cast features a colorful mix of participants from the franchise, promising plenty of excitement about who might ignite sparks or face heartbreak. As reported by Bachelor Nation, the cast includes:

• April Kirkwood (The Golden Bachelor, season 1)
• Charles “CK” King (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)
• Gary Levingston (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)
• Jack Lencioni (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)
• Kathy Swarts (The Golden Bachelor, season 1)
• Keith Gordon (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)
• Kim Buike (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)
• Leslie Fhima (The Golden Bachelor, season 1)
• Natascha Hardee (The Golden Bachelor, season 1)
• Ralph “RJ” Johnson (The Golden Bachelorette, season 1)

A Fresh Start in Paradise

This season’s filming has taken a new direction geographically as well. For the first time, „Bachelor in Paradise“ has swapped the warm sands of Mexico for Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. The excitement around this filming shift is palpable, as the idyllic beaches and jungles of Costa Rica promise to create a fresh setting that will enhance the vibrant storytelling the show is known for. Jesse Palmer is returning as host, joined by bartender Wells Adams and Hannah Brown, who will now manage the newly introduced Champagne Lounge. This change aims to inject new energy into the show, especially after nearly two years off air, as highlighted by the Tico Times.

Filming has been set up in locations that are expected to showcase the beauty of Costa Rica, likely near Guanacaste or the Nicoya Peninsula. The local tourism board is eager for the exposure, hoping the show’s global audience will promote Costa Rica as a desirable travel destination. Notably, filming in this tropical paradise is expected to boost the local economy, specifically in tourism and hospitality, as cast and crew members immerse themselves in the culture and community over the weeks.

As Leslie Fhima prepares to step into the spotlight again, the merging of youthful exuberance and golden-age wisdom on this iconic series is paving the way for unforgettable moments. With new relationships blooming and perhaps even a sprinkle of heartbreak, “Bachelor in Paradise” season 10 is likely to draw viewers in for an alluring journey filled with sun, sand, and romance.