Golden Bachelor fans say runner-up Cindy Cullers is the ‘real winner’ after dumping Mel Owns on ‘disappointing’ finale

GOLDEN Bachelor fans have applauded runner-up Cindy Cullers for dumping Mel Owens and expressed their disappointment over the finale.

Mel didn’t have to choose between the final two ladies, Cindy and Peg Munson, as one ended up walking away from the former athlete.

Golden Bachelorette fans applauded runner-up Cindy Cullers for dumping Mel Owens in the finaleCredit: ABC

Mel ended the season with Peg Munson after Cindy voluntarily left before he could make his decisionCredit: ABC
The episode picked up where it left off two weeks earlier, with Cindy and Mel having a serious discussion about their future during their date in Antigua.

Cindy admitted she questioned Mel’s true feelings for her and whether he was ready for a commitment and a proposal.

Mel seemed to confirm her fears, as he revealed he most likely wouldn’t be popping the question during the season finale, as he was still torn between his feelings for her and Peg.

Cindy then made the difficult decision to end their romance, and she walked away in tears.

Mel later recapped what happened to Peg, who agreed she was still interested in getting to know the former NFL star.

After meeting his sons and best friend, Diane, and receiving the stamp of approval, the couple solidified their relationship in a romantic beach setting.

Instead of a proposal, Mel gifted Peg a massive diamond “promise ring” and asked her to continue their journey and see how the relationship progresses, to which she accepted.

Mel reunited with both ladies during the After the Final Rose special, hosted by Jesse Palmer.

He and Cindy shared their final peace, with Cindy revealing she’s happy that Mel didn’t try to convince her to stay.

She further noted that the pair “didn’t align,” and wanted different things from the experience, but there were no hard feelings.

Fans praised Cindy for expressing what she wanted and not settling for Mel when she realized they weren’t on the same page.

“The biggest WINNER on The Golden Bachelor is Cindy. Good for her, for not settling for Mel & his indecision. It took a lot to walk away. ABC: There is your next Golden Bachelorette,” one person wrote on X.

“Dodged a bullet, Cindy-dodged a great big bullet,” said another.

“That was brutal. The only good thing that happened was that Cindy handled the situation on her terms.

“She deserves someone who wants a commitment, not saying they want to wait two years to see what happens! She deserves someone incredibly special,” a third reacted.

Viewers also shared their frustrations with the “boring” finale, especially after Mel and Peg seemingly dodged questions about a possible proposal and wedding in their future.

“This is so boring I actually went and did laundry,” one fan admitted.

“I have never been so happy for a season to be over,” a second remarked.

“This is not getting me excited for her season. Sorry abc, it’s not working,” a third commented.

Despite their smiles onstage, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that there’s already trouble in paradise between Mel and Peg, according to a source.

The insider also revealed that the duo planned to come out as a “united front” for the live show to ensure fans didn’t sense that their relationship was on the rocks.

Mel and Cindy reunited on the After the Final Rose special, where they said their peace after several months have passedCredit: ABC

Mel didn’t propose to Peg, but gifted her a massive diamond ‘promise ring’

A source exclusively told The U.S. Sun that there’s already trouble in paradise between Mel and Peg and they put on a ‘united front’ for the camerasCredit: Getty