Network 10 has shut down claims that Luke Bateman was barred from talking about his history on The Bachelors during I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia 2026.
Before gushing on TikTok about steamy romance novels, Luke previously starred on Network 10’s The Bachelors alongside Ben Waddell and Wesley Senna Cortes.
And while his time in the South African jungle is giving major romance vibes — especially with his interactions with Concetta Caristo and Mia Fevola — friends of the former NRL star claim he’s never dipping his toes in the reality TV dating show universe ever again.
“Luke would enjoy a Rhino’s penis over those roses any day of the week!” a source who claims to be friends with Luke said.
Despite the endless speculation that Luke is going to pop up on Love Island Australia, MAFS or literally any franchise desperate for a nice guy with biceps and trauma, insiders say he’s quietly blacklisted that entire genre of TV.
A source close to production tells PEDESTRIAN.TV Luke’s extremely aware of how dating shows work behind the scenes now, and he’s got no interest in going back.
“Luke’s been there. He’s done it. He knows how it’s produced and what it does to your life,” the source says. “He doesn’t want to be edited into a character again. He wants people to know the real him.”
And fair play to him. After years of being boxed into the “hot nice guy” role, Luke reportedly decided he’s done letting TV networks profit off his love life.
Inside sources have also claimed that Network 10 has also turned on The Bachelor franchise.
When Luke’s intro package for I’m A Celeb was being put together, producers initially wanted to lean into the whole “dating show veteran” narrative because it’s an easy hook for viewers.
But sources say they pulled back at the last minute and deliberately cut references to The Bachelors.
Why? Because it would’ve dragged Bachelor politics into the jungle and Network Ten doesn’t want that box opened.
“Luke’s dating show history was originally going to be a bigger part of his intro,” the insider said.
“But the network didn’t want a reminder of how messy things got behind the scenes with the Bachelor franchise. So they all but removed it.”
The real reason: Channel Nine “stealing” the Bachelor franchise from under their noses.
Insiders claimed one of the biggest reasons Luke has dropped The Bachelors from his resume was because of the behind-the-scenes franchise drama after Channel Nine swooped in and grabbed The Bachelor brand.
“Luke was caught in the middle of all those politics,” the source claimed.
“The franchise shift meant there were suddenly all these rules about what can be said, who can be referenced and what networks want viewers to remember.”
Network 10 slams claims Luke Bateman was banned from speaking The Bachelors on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here
In a statement to PEDESTRIAN.TV, a spokesperson from Network 10 said the celebrity campers “choose what they share, when they share it, and how much they reveal”.
“In camp, conversations spark the same way they do anywhere else, naturally and often unexpectedly. Our celebrities choose what they share, when they share it, and how much they reveal. No scripts. No prompts. No persuasion,” the spokesperson said.
“When someone opens up by the fire, it’s their own decision, inspired by the unique jungle environment, the bonds formed, and the very real experience of living it all together.
“And just like the viewers at home, we’re simply along for the ride as these honest moments unfold.”
While Network 10 denies the claim, insiders claim Luke says he doesn’t want to jump on a dating show in the future, adding that “he’s sick of the pressure to play a part.”
As for Luke? He doesn’t want to be anyone’s collateral. The source says Luke’s bigger issue isn’t dating… It’s the machine.
“Dating shows are really demanding and they mess with your head. Luke wants a simple life. He’s not chasing fame the way others are,” the insider claimed.
According to insiders, Luke isn’t saying ‘no’ to TV forever. He’s just saying ‘no’ to the shows that are built around emotional manipulation and romance storylines. Because if there’s one thing Luke has learned?
Reality TV doesn’t just date you. It owns you and Luke Bateman is officially clocking out.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to Luke Bateman for comment.
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