As the season finale of The Golden Bachelorette draws near, fans are captivated by more than just the final rose ceremony. Rumors are swirling that fan-favorite Mark Anderson may have found love—not on the show, but with actress Barbara Alyn Woods. This unexpected pairing has taken fans by storm, bringing together two beloved personalities from two very different worlds. Here’s everything we know about their budding romance and the story behind the speculation.
Is Mark Anderson Dating One Tree Hill Star Barbara Alyn Woods?
Mark Anderson first appeared on The Bachelor alongside his daughter, Kelsey Anderson, during Joey Graziadei’s season. As a retired Army general and widower, Anderson won hearts as “Kelsey’s hot dad,” showing support for his daughter’s journey on reality TV. Soon after, he tried his own hand at finding love on The Golden Bachelorette, hoping for a connection with Joan Vassos. But when that journey didn’t end in a match, fans wondered if Mark’s love story would remain unfinished—until now.
On October 27, One Tree Hill actress Barbara Alyn Woods, recently separated, posted a Halloween photo on Instagram that set the rumor mill spinning. Dressed as Cinderella with Anderson as her Prince Charming, Woods captioned the photo:
“When Cinderella and Prince Charming have a baby.”
Fans immediately took to social media, thrilled at the possibility of this cross-world romance. Mark’s daughter, Kelsey Anderson, added fuel to the fire by commenting, “So cute” with a heart emoji. This sparked reactions from fans, with one user commenting, “My OTH and Bachelor Nation worlds colliding!” while another chimed in, “OMG PLEASE LET THIS BE REAL.”
A Love Story Worth Rooting For?
Barbara Alyn Woods and Mark Anderson both know the highs and lows of public life. Woods, mother to three and known for her role on One Tree Hill, recently filed for divorce from her husband, John Lind, after over two decades of marriage. Mark, who lost his wife Denise to cancer in 2018, has raised his five children while honoring the memory of his late spouse.
Now, fans are wondering if these shared experiences have brought them together. Could Woods and Anderson be the golden couple we’ve been waiting for?
Why Joan Vassos and Mark Anderson Didn’t Work Out
Fans of The Golden Bachelorette saw Mark Anderson attempt to find love with Joan Vassos, but their connection ultimately fell short. Although their yacht date was the “best day I’ve had single arriving in California,” as Anderson put it, Vassos wasn’t feeling the same spark. During their outing, Mark opened up about losing his late wife and his hopes to find a deep connection on the show. But Joan felt something was missing, noting that while Anderson “checked so many boxes,” he seemed “very soft-spoken” and “almost formal.”
In a candid conversation, Vassos expressed her doubts, saying:
“I didn’t see me in our conversations when we were talking, and I didn’t feel like I imagined an us… I need somebody who is as far along in their journey as I am.”
Ultimately, Vassos ended things, leaving Mark open to new possibilities—and, perhaps, a new chance at love with Woods.
Mark Anderson and Barbara Alyn Woods: Will They Make it Official?
While neither Mark nor Barbara has publicly confirmed their relationship, the signs are there. After the Halloween post, Woods followed up with a TikTok video showing her and Anderson dancing to “Disco” by Surf Curse, ending with a warm hug by a Christmas tree. This heartwarming display has fans hoping their relationship will continue to blossom.
What’s Next for Mark Anderson? The Future of This Golden Bachelor
After his journey on The Golden Bachelorette, many fans hoped Anderson would become the next lead on The Golden Bachelor’s second season. But if things between him and Woods get serious, we may see Anderson leaving reality TV romance behind. For now, Bachelor Nation fans are eagerly watching for more clues, hoping to see updates from Mark and Barbara about where their relationship may be headed.