MAFS stars Billy and Awhina dive into new Perth dating show
Reality TV stars Billy Belcher and Awhina Rutene are set to dive headfirst into Perth's newest dating show, a YouTube series titled 1ROSE.
But it won't be as hopeful singles — with larrikin Billy set to be a host on the show, and his former MAFS co-star Awhina to provide commentary.
The speed dating series is a progression of the intimate event format that launched in Perth last year, with the 'unscripted social experiment' evolved to suit an online audience.
1ROSE announced its casting call on Thursday night, with each individual event capped at 16 singles.
Awhina told PerthNow the fast-paced dating environment will take some of the guesswork out of those awkward social situations where you might be interested in someone, but are not sure if they feel the same.
'It's not like when you go to a bar or nightclub and you're trying to gauge whether someone's in a relationship or not, and whether they're just out for fun,' she said.
'And then there's also those questions that you don't necessarily ask when you're out at a bar. So I guess it takes a lot of the grunt work out of it.'
With surprise rounds, unexpected twists and cash prizes, there is also a hidden match allocated to each participant based on their pre-filled criteria, with only the audience clued into the moment their pre-ordained meeting unfolds.
At the end of the night, a dramatic rose ceremony will see participants asked: Who will be your 1ROSE?
Created locally, 1ROSE founder Gabe feels the show will be a first of its kind in WA, and an alternative platform for those who have exhausted typical pathways to love.
'We believe this concept will offer Australian audiences something fresh and engaging, especially Perth, as this could be the first Perth dating show produced,' he said. Perth online personality Amy Priya will be a presenter on the show. Credit: 1ROSE
Local personality Amy Priya will be 1ROSE's main presenter, aiding Billy and Awhina in guiding local singles along the ride.
Unlike his MAFS co-star, 'cheeky English chap' Billy is an experienced campaigner in Perth's dating scene, and admits 'it's hard because it's very small, and there aren't too many places you can go to meet new people'.
'We find that these days people sit behind their phone and swipe right or left, but this show gives you the chance to communicate and see if you have chemistry with another human instead of an iPhone,' he said.
So who should apply?
Almost anyone — 'Just make sure you're not to shy, and you can have a laugh, that's all we want'.
The reality TV favourite promises viewers and participants 'lighthearted banter, lots of laughs, and I'll also be asking the hard questions'.
'But my role as the host is to make your experience the best it can be,' he said.
Aside from joining forces on their next project, Billy and Awhina have regularly been spotted together in their native Perth and often appear on each other's social feeds.
However, Awhina was reluctant to put a label on their relationship following MAFS. Though, she's welcomed having someone to lean on throughout it all.
'Billy and I... we've got a fantastic friendship,' she teased.
'We've had such overwhelming support from the public, and it's really nice because, post show, I don't really know anyone in the media, I don't have friends that are influencers, so it's been really nice having Billy as my support person, especially when I found it really tough at times.'
As for their next on-screen adventure, Awhina said Billy can't wait to get in front of the camera once more.
'He's like a golden retriever at the moment,' she joked.
'I know it's a dating event, and the singles are there to get to know each other, but Billy likes to be the main character.'
With the show's first events being held in Perth, 1ROSE plans to expand into other cities in the future.
Keen applicants can head to the show's website or casting form here to apply.
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