Fans of "The Bachelorette" TV franchise now have their very own Canadian version to watch, but criticism about the reality dating show has followed it from the U.S.
Corus, which owns Global TV and W Network, officially introduced Jasmine Lorimer as "The Bachelorette Canada" on Thursday in unveiling the its fall programming.
The 27-year-old hairstylist is currently based out of Pemberton, B.C. and is originally from Kenora, Ont. She's described as a "small-town girl at heart'' with an "artistic nature and adventurous spirit.''
She's also blond and white, something that has not gone unnoticed among viewers who might have been hoping for a diverse candidate to represent modern Canada.
In the 32 seasons of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" franchises, there has never been one that starred someone of colour. And blogger Karen X. Cheng has pointed out that non-white contestants vying for love are quickly eliminated.
“She is delightful and beautiful, although I wouldn’t call her diverse,” said Barb Williams, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Corus, which owns the Global network, about Lorimer.
She told The Toronto Star that it's possible the next Bachelorette could be someone of colour, if the show is picked up for a second season.
Lorimer will search for her special someone among 20 eligible bachelors on the televised dating series.
The suitors will compete for Lorimer's affections on individual and group dates both locally and in exotic locations abroad as she narrows the field to one.
“It is such an honour to be Canada’s first bachelorette,” said Lorimer in a press release. “This opportunity came at the perfect time for me and I couldn’t be more prepared to embark upon this lifelong adventure.”
"The Good Witch" actor Noah Cappe will take on hosting duties for "The Bachelorette Canada'' when it premieres on W Network this fall.
With files from The Canadian Press and Emma Paling
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