Leslie Fhima, a familiar face from The Golden Bachelor, recently clarified her relationship status with The Golden Bachelorette contestant Jordan Heller after speculation began swirling around the two. Appearing on Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti’s Almost Famous podcast on Friday, November 1, Fhima, 65, revealed that although she shares a connection with Heller, 61, they are not romantically involved.
“We Met, But We’re Not Dating”
“We’re not dating,” Fhima openly stated to Higgins and Iaconetti when they inquired about her relationship with Heller. “I met Jordan,” she continued, explaining that their recent meetup was a friendly gathering rather than a date. According to Fhima, Heller extended an invitation for her to attend a Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) game, where he had access to a suite due to his connections with the club.
Fhima explained that she was already planning to be in Los Angeles to support friends and Bachelor Nation stars Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran at a taping of Dancing With the Stars. Since she was nearby, she accepted Heller’s invitation to join him at the soccer game. Fhima even brought her friend Wendy along, underscoring that this outing was casual and friendly.
The Soccer Game Meet-Up that Sparked Dating Rumors
The LAFC game proved to be a memorable event. Fhima and Heller attended in matching LAFC jerseys, which had their last names on the back, and they posed for photos together. The duo’s coordinated outfits, along with the photos they posted online, led fans and followers to wonder if Fhima and Heller were taking their connection to a romantic level.
However, Fhima used the podcast appearance to set the record straight. “It was a fun meet-and-greet kind of thing, not a date,” she clarified, emphasizing that they were simply spending time together as friends.
Staying in Touch: A Growing Friendship
While the LAFC outing was the first time Fhima and Heller met in person, they’ve continued to stay in contact since then. Fhima admitted that she and Heller text frequently and occasionally talk on the phone. Although she appreciates their connection, she was clear about their current dynamic. “We have been texting a little bit,” she teased, adding, “Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we’re stupid.”
For Fhima, friendship is a priority, and she seems content to get to know Heller without pressure to rush into a relationship. “For me, I don’t know where it would go if it’s gonna go,” she mused on the podcast. “I just think he’s a great guy, and to be friends with him first is fine with me.”
First Impressions: What Drew Leslie to Jordan
Reflecting on her time watching The Golden Bachelorette, Fhima shared that Heller initially caught her eye during his season. “I like Jordan,” she admitted. “When I was watching the show, I liked him the best, for me.” Fhima explained that while all of the contestants had admirable qualities, Heller stood out to her in a way that made her imagine a potential connection.
“If it was me, if I was the Golden Bachelorette and he was on that show … you know how you think,” she said, hinting that she saw qualities in Heller that might align with what she would seek in a partner.
Fhima acknowledged that her attraction to Heller is highly personal, and that what resonates with one person may not necessarily appeal to another. “That’s the beauty of those men,” she reflected. “I think they appeal to certain women, and I like that. Hopefully, there will be some connections.” This sentiment speaks to the variety of personalities and backgrounds among contestants in the Bachelor franchise, as each cast member brings something unique to the table.
Beyond first impressions, Fhima revealed that she and Heller share several values and cultural similarities that make their friendship feel natural. She noted that they are both Jewish, a commonality she values. “At the end of the day, that’s important to me as well … it’s not a hard stop,” she explained, “but if you meet someone and they are … that’s just icing on the cake.”
For Fhima, shared faith and values add another dimension to her connection with Heller, even if they aren’t necessarily dealbreakers in a romantic relationship. She described these similarities as “important” without being “definitive,” suggesting that their shared background contributes to their friendship, yet she remains open to other qualities in a potential partner.
Reflecting on The Golden Bachelor Journey and New Beginnings
Fans of The Golden Bachelor will remember Fhima from her time with Gerry Turner on the first season of the show. Fhima and Turner had a strong connection but ultimately went their separate ways after a fantasy suite date. Turner went on to propose to fellow contestant Theresa Nist. However, Turner and Nist’s marriage was short-lived; they separated in April, just three months after they wed on The Golden Wedding special, which aired live on ABC.
Fhima’s return to the spotlight with Heller by her side has certainly sparked curiosity among Bachelor Nation fans. Her openness about her friendship with Heller, and her willingness to take things slowly, demonstrate a level of self-awareness and maturity that her fans admire.
A Friendship with Potential?
As Fhima and Heller continue to stay in touch, fans are eager to see if their friendship might evolve into something more. For now, Fhima is focused on nurturing their connection and taking things one step at a time. “I just think he’s a great guy,” she reiterated, emphasizing that the friendship itself is meaningful and fulfilling.
