“The Golden Bachelor” host reacts to Gerry’s tough goodbyes ahead of next week’s hometown dates.

I love that they’re always in the water!

JESSE PALMER:YES!

Golden Bachelor grab

Gerry and his potential wives play Whac-A-Mole.ABC

The ladies made the most of their time in the pool singing, dancing and floating.

In retrospect, we probably needed a full-time lifeguard on duty.

How did that change the dynamics of the group during this final week?

ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, Gerry and Ellen

Gerry and Ellen on ‘The Golden Bachelor’.ABC

The women were expecting there to be four hometowns, so it definitely raised the stakes.

Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun at the Santa Monica Pier during the group date.

I also know how competitive she gets, so Ellen wouldn’t let me win at anything.

Gerry didn’t hand out the rose on the date because he needed more time.

The extra time can absolutely help achieve clarity.

It was so hard to watch Gerry say goodbye to Ellen this week.

What do you think it was that led him to end their relationship before hometowns?

The Golden Bachelorairs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.