Tissue boxes were broken out across the nation as Sam called out Michael’s name over Richie’s in the second-last rose ceremony.
In their final on-screen moments together, Richie continued to be a perfect gentlemen with the 26-year-old.
“You are an amazing girl, Sam, and you deserve the best. I’ve enjoyed absolutely everything and spending this time with you has made me realise that I can open my heart and love does exist,” he said before leaving the mansion.
The Perth-based rope technician was a fan favourite, and Richie admits that it was “incredibly tough” to go home.
“I was standing there like a stunned mullet because I didn’t know what to do,” he explained to The Herald Sun about the moment Sam broke down while handing the last rose to soccer player, Michael. “I was in this really intense situation that I was trying to process. I just wanted to walk over and give her a hug and say, ‘It’s all good.’”
Talk about emotions! Sam Frost was a blundering mess when she had to make the tough decision to say goodbye to Richie.
He may have been “really disappointed” at the time, but Richie has had more than four months since the episode was filmed to not only move past the rejection but also come up with his own theory on who is perfect for Sam.
“When I left that mansion and was heading home I personally felt Michael and Sam had a pretty good connection,” he said. “You could just see the way that Sam looked at Mikey and knew that they had something really special … Mikey is such a sweet, humble guy and he and Sam would make a cute couple. And have you seen him? What a dreamboat!”
The final episode of The Bachelorette airs tonight at 7.30pm AEST.
The final two men standing are Sasha and Michael.
