VIEWERS were shocked this week by an unexpected twist on “The Bachelor” – no rose ceremony, and none of the 10 competing women were eliminated.

ABC denies that it is trying to extend the number of “Bachelor” episodes by stretching out the show a little.

Instead, officials said yesterday, a genuine drama – including a spontaneous group weeping episode and a death in the family of one of the contestants – left no time for the usual last-minute elimination.

Next week, bachelor Bob Guiney is expected to eliminate four women from the show.