Tenderness and tears on ‘The Bachelor Canada’ as four hopefuls leave mansion

TORONTO – Tenderness and tears flooded Wednesday’s “The Bachelor Canada” as Brad Smith revealed a sad chapter in his life and a bachelorette learned of a death in the family.

In an impromptu meeting with front-runner Whitney of Calgary in his hotel room, Smith cried as he divulged that two of his closest friends died within 18 months of each other.

Meanwhile, chipper pastor Chantelle of Sylvan Lake, Alta., left the Citytv show after learning her grandfather had died.

She was one of four hopefuls who left the mansion, the others being Ottawa server Ana, nurse Britany of Swift Current, Sask., and Ottawa cocktail waitress Laura B.

The episode began with Smith doing photo shoots with the women vying for his heart.

The CFL wide receiver from Hudson, Que., then had individual dates in Paris with Laura B. and Bianka, a nurse from Mississauga, Ont.

Later, Smith went rock climbing in Penticton, B.C., with Whitney, an administrative assistant he’s lavished with attention since the beginning of the series.

In next week’s episode, Smith will visit the hometowns of the four remaining bachelorettes, who also include grad student Kara of Delta, B.C., and law student Gabrielle of Oakville, Ont.