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Susan Lucci<\/a>\u00a0has “a new addiction” for <\/span>The Golden Bachelor<\/a><\/em>, but not enough to join the franchise’s spinoff as its leading lady.<\/span><\/p>\n In a new interview with <\/span>People<\/em><\/a>, the <\/span>All My Children<\/span><\/em> star claimed that <\/span>The Golden Bachelorette<\/em><\/a> reached out to her publicist about the role, which ultimately went to <\/span>Gerry Turner<\/a>‘s ex, <\/span>Joan Vassos<\/a>. It was just a few years ago when her assistant turned her on <\/span>The Bachelor<\/span><\/em>, which then led to an obsession over\u00a0<\/span>The Golden Bachelor<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n But <\/span>watching<\/span><\/em> the show and <\/span>being part<\/span><\/em> of the show\u00a0are two very different things.<\/span><\/p>\n “I believe that they contacted my publicist and it wasn’t for me,” Lucci explained to the magazine. “I watched <\/span>The Golden Bachelor<\/span><\/em>. I really enjoyed watching <\/span>The Golden Bachelor<\/span><\/em>. This is a new addiction for me.”<\/span><\/p>\n Lucci, who portrayed Erica Kane for 41 years on <\/span>All My Children<\/span><\/em> from 1970 to 2011, later added, “It wasn’t for me, but I do love watching. I’m a fan. I love watching.”<\/span><\/p>\n A source close to the show, however, tells ET that Lucci’s claim “is not true.”<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier this month, ABC <\/span>announced<\/a> that Vassos would lead the inaugural <\/span>Golden Bachelorette<\/span><\/em>. Vassos was a beloved contestant on <\/span>The Golden Bachelor<\/span><\/em>, especially after\u00a0<\/span>she self-eliminated<\/a>\u00a0from the show when a medical concern with her daughter arose.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, the 61-year-old grandmother and school administrator from Rockland, Maryland, is back to star in her own love story. Vassos, who <\/span>previously told ET<\/a> she’d say yes if asked to helm the new franchise, will bring her signature grace and charm as she embarks on a search for her next person, showcasing that everyone is worthy of more than just a second chance at love.<\/span><\/p>\n Vassos, whose husband died after 32 years of marriage, is a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by her resilience, zest for adventure and strong family values.<\/span><\/p>\n After she left\u00a0<\/span>The Golden Bachelor\u00a0<\/span><\/em>of her own volition,\u00a0<\/span>Vassos spoke out<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram, and expressed her hope that she’d find love one day.<\/span><\/p>\n “Once a mom\u00a0always a mom and sometimes the timing doesn’t work out with finding love,” she wrote in part.\u00a0“Everyone at home is doing great and I hope one day I will get the chance at love again.”<\/span><\/p>\n