Last night’s premiere episode of The Bachelor saw a whole lotta sequins, drama, interrupting and some admittedly awkward singing.
Landing in third place in the race for Sam Frost’s heart clearly didn’t deter the handsome rope technician, who stood with confidence of a cool banana as he met the 22 hopefuls ready to battle it out for his heart.
Australia collectively cheered with joy as the glorious Richie Strahan graced our television screens once more, but there was one lady who simply wasn’t falling under the Bachelor’s irresistible spell.
Within the first minute of meeting the dapper 30-year-old, Queensland-based massage therapist Vintaea decided to walk out of the rose ceremony, without even waiting around for the chance to collect her free rose/snack (ahem Sasha, we’re looking at you).
Woman’s Day caught up with the brunette beauty, along with the other two eliminated women, to find out what really went down in the Bachelor mansion.
Watch Eliza sing to Richie in the video player below! Post continues…
The stunning brunette, who left the rose ceremony on her own accord, describes herself as ambitious, hardworking, kind, strong and smart.
VINTAEA – massage therapist, 25
Did you know instantly that Richie wasn’t right for you?
Yes. I knew when I first met him that he wouldn’t have the personality to be able to handle mine.
How did you come to the decision to leave the show?
It was pretty simple, I just knew immediately that he wasn’t for me and I didn’t want to waste my time or his time staying on a show that I went on to find love. So I made the decision, straight away, to leave.
Since leaving The Bachelor, have you met anyone special?
No.
It’s still early days, but which girl do you think is right for Richie and why?
Nikki is a clear favourite. Her personality matches his and you could tell straight away the both Nikki and Richie were keen on each other.
Aimee is searching for someone honest, kind, caring, tall and most importantly, a man.
AIMEE – business development manager, 31
What are your feelings towards Richie at this point?
I think he is a lovely person and I hope he finds the person he is looking for. I wish him all the best in doing that!
Did he give you any indication of what kind of girls he likes?
I think the kind of girl he likes is definitely someone a little more adventurous, based on the fact that he pointed out that we don’t have common ground as I’m scared of heights and he has no idea about numbers!
Is there anyone from the show you’re happy to say goodbye to and why?
Maybe… but at the end of the day I wasn’t around for long enough so I didn’t need to worry about that too much.
What would you say was your lowest moment on the show?
The long hours and being surrounded by people who were younger.
Who do you think is going to win?
Nikki, I think she is his type.
“I’m almost 28 and have never had a boyfriend,” says Natalie, who has earned herself three degrees.
NATALIE – communications officer, 27
What was your first impression of Richie?
I thought he seemed like a really genuine gentleman – a little bit awkward and nervous, but a really nice guy.
If you had your time over in the house, would you do anything differently?
I think I would have taken a step back in terms of just taking it all in. It feels a little surreal. I would have probably made sure I breathed a little more and spoke a little less. I kind of wish I got to know Richie outside of a dress and makeup.
Do you still believe in love?
Of course!
From your experience in the mansion, can you pick a favourite to win?
Nikki. I feel like she is his type of girl. She is genuinely lovely, stunning and I feel like they would complement each other quite well.
Relive last night’s drama in the video player below!
