WILL HE FIND THE ONE?

Glamorous contestants will be vying to win the heart of TV’s new Bachelor Marc – but he’s warned he’s quite picky!

- MARISA FOCKEMA

HE’S 1,85m of pure beefcake, takes his dog with him wherever he goes and is an unapologetic mommy’s boy.

Meet Marc Buckner, the hunk whose heart contestants will vie for in the second season of The Bachelor South Africa. And really, what’s not to love? The kind eyes, the designer beard, the gasp-worthy biceps, the six-pack you could bounce a R5 coin off. . . Pure dish with a capital D.

South Africans were introduced to the 37-year-old model and property entrepreneur on 13 February – just in time for Valentine’s Day. And the scene was set for 16 weeks of dates and drama as 22 contestants try to be the last woman to receive a rose from the country’s most eligible on-screen bachelor.

But how on earth is he still single? Surely women have been falling over their feet to become this hottie’s one and only?

“I’m quite picky,” he says. “I think everyone should be. I’m not just going to settle. I don’t want to divorce and remarry – I’d rather do it once.”

We’re chatting to the man of the moment at Green Point Park in Cape Town and he hasn’t come alone. Luna, his beloved rescue hound, and Jenny, his mom and best friend, are here too.

Jenny (62) admits she was sceptical when she first heard her boy was going on the show. “He’s very brave, putting himself out there like that,” she says.

If he does find his true love, she’ll be one lucky woman, Jenny adds. “There’s far more to Marc than meets the eye. He’s kind, adventurous and spontaneous – just an all-round good guy.

“He cares about animals and people, and he’s true to himself. He’s also a gentleman and an old soul.”

Swoons all round then.