The Golden Bachelor contestants
ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

'The Golden Bachelor' Contestants Have Been Announced and There's a Familiar Face Among the Contestants

The fresh take on 'The Bachelor' premieres on ABC Thursday, Sept. 28.

22 senior women will be vying for love in the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor.

Videos by Wide Open Country

ABC has just unveiled the roster of women set to compete for Gerry Turner's affection. While many of these women are stepping into the world of reality TV for the first time, there's a familiar face among the suitors that Bachelor Nation might recognize. Patty James, the mother of former Bachelor Matt James, is throwing her hat into the ring for Gerry's heart. The intrigue deepens as Matt, 31, and his girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell, whom he met during season 25, expressed that they genuinely had no clue that Patty, aged 70, signed up for this romantic journey.

Rachael, 26, shared her thoughts about Patty's quest for love, whether it unfolds on TV or off-camera. She confided in Us Weekly in July, saying, "I'm cheering for Patty's love story any day. I'm excited to see how Gerry's journey goes. He appears to be the perfect choice for a Bachelor."

Tyler Cameron, Matt's best friend and former roommate, also chimed in with excitement for Patty's pursuit of love on television. Tyler, 30, said, "I believe she would be fantastic. It would be interesting to watch her journey," adding his thoughts about Patty's kind-hearted nature, "She's an incredibly kind lady, though. I'm not sure how that will fare in an environment where being nice and sweet is concerned."

Let's take a look at the profiles of the wonderful women who are part of The Golden Bachelor's debut season, which premieres on ABC Thursday, September 28, at 8 p.m. ET.

Age: 61, Hometown: Summit, New Jersey, Job: Retired nutritionist

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 60, Hometown: Downey, California, Job: Retired realtor

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 71, Hometown: Delray Beach, Florida, Job: Retired teacher

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 60, Hometown: Rockland, Maryland, Job: Private school administrator

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 70, Hometown: Austin, Texas, Job: Retired educational consultant

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 64, Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Job: Fitness instructor

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 60, Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey, Job: Health and wellness director

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 60, Hometown: Los Angeles, California, Job: Educator

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 60, Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia, Job: Retired interior designer

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 60, Hometown: New York, New York, Job: Pro-aging coach and midlife speaker

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 75, Hometown: Aurora, Illinois, Job: Retired salon owner

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 70, Hometown: Durham, North Carolina, Job: Retired real estate professional

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 69, Hometown: East Haven, Connecticut, Job: Dental hygienist

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 67, Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, Job: Former Chicago Honey Bears cheerleader

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 75, Hometown: Doraville, Georgia, Job: Retired executive assistant

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 66, Hometown: Aston, Pennsylvania, Job: Wedding officiant

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 64, Hometown: Los Angeles, California, Job: Public affairs consultant

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

Age: 69, Hometown: Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Job: Financial services professional

 

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

April

Age: 65, Hometown: Port St. Lucie, Florida, Job: Therapist

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

Age: 73, Hometown: Sierra Madre, California, Job: Retired purchasing manager

Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

 

READ MORE: What Happened in 'Virgin River' Season 4? Plus, Our Predictions for Season 5