Starlight Media and Warner Bros. International Television Production jointly announced yesterday the return of the most popular romantic show in Ukraine. The iconic format The Bachelor has been adapted to the context of the big war and social challenges. It will be not only the source of love but also the lighthouse of diversity and new culture in a society traumatized by war.

The new Ukrainian Bachelor will be the defender, veteran, public figure, author of the book "The Story of a Stubborn Man" and member of the national Invictus Games team Oleksandr Budko with the call sign Teren.

"We thank Warner Bros. International Television for this undoubtedly important partnership and their willingness to see new power and senses in the world's iconic format in the extraordinary circumstances of the Russian-Ukrainian war. We believe that love and life will win. This fall, on STB, we will be cheering for the love story of our modern-day hero and shaping the culture of new relationships", commented Oleksandr Bohutskyi, CEO of Starlight Media.

Andrew Zein, WBITVP’s SVP Creative, Format Development and Sales, said: “The Bachelor is one of the World’s most loved and successful dating formats and we are thrilled to be working with Starlight Media and STB to bring it back to Ukraine. Having someone as inspirational as Oleksandr Teren Budko as this season’s Bachelor is incredibly exciting, and we have no doubt that he’s going to be hugely popular with contestants and audiences alike.”

Oleksandr Teren is 28 years old. On February 24, 2022, he volunteered to defend the country. Six months later, he became a platoon commander of the Battalion. Seriously wounded during the fighting, the loss of both limbs, prosthetics and difficult rehabilitation have not stopped Teren from pursuing his dreams. An active lifestyle, overcoming internal and external barriers, promoting integration in Ukraine and helping veterans are among the goals of Teren's work. He is a winner of the international Invictus Games competition. Oleksandr took part in a ballet performance on the stage in California (USA), where he danced the choreography of Emma Evelyn together with the artists of the United Ukrainian Ballet.

Also, he appeared in the film Front Row, produced by the American star Sarah Jessica Parker. And this is only the beginning.

"I am not looking for an ideal. I'm looking for someone whose inner world I can admire," admits Teren. "I want her to be a person with great respect for veterans, who cares about barrier-free and inclusive spaces. For me, The Bachelor is a chance to meet someone I want to try and start a family with. I know from my own experience that miracles can be found anywhere, and I believe one can find love on the show. Of course, it's also a great opportunity to spread a lot of good and positive ideas that can change us for the better," said Oleksandr.