The former soccer player may not have kicked any love goals but Michael Turnbull is still our MVP from the inaugural season of Bachelor in Paradise.
The 37-year-old first came to our attention as Sam Frost’s runner up on The Bachelorette.
While his second stint on a reality show failed to find him love, Michael wouldn’t change a single thing.
Now To Love exclusively spoke to him about his shocking exit, giving his rose to Lisa Hyde and the truth behind the Luke McLeod cheating rumours.
Michael has no regrets.
Michael can you take me back to when you decided to walk out of the show?
I was sitting by the pool having a drink and I thought it was time. I came here to meet someone, not sit by a pool. I have a very busy life outside paradise and I hadn’t connected with anyone.
It was time to leave. It was a hard decision but the right one.
Were you still able to have fun on the island despite not connecting with anyone?
I had a really great time! Finding love is one aspect but so is making new friends.
I walked away with so many new friendships.
It was such a great experience, in fact more positive than The Bachelorette. I was more of myself in this series.
How strong were your feelings for Lisa? Was it a bit of a flicker or did you feel like you could fall for her?
Lisa was the one I wanted to get to know. I think I got so emotional because in that environment you go against all your morals of what you’d do in the real world.
You wouldn’t cut someone else’s grass.
I didn’t want to hide my feelings which is why I did it publicly at the rose ceremony, rather than behind Luke’s back.
She made a call – she accepted the rose.
Looking back, how hard was it to make that leap and give Lisa your rose?
It was the hardest thing I did in Paradise.
There were points in the night where I wasn’t going to do it but then I thought no, this is the premise of the show!
By no means were Luke and Lisa in a relationship. Yes they were spending their time together, but they’re not “together”.
I wanted to do it the honourable way rather than behind Luke’s back.
That’s not cool.
I don’t regret it – I didn’t feel bad or guilty… It was just a really emotional decision.
How did you and Luke go forward with your friendship after that?
As far as I’m concerned if I see Luke, I have no issues or ill-feelings towards them.
I respect Lisa and Luke’s situation so I don’t want to get too much involved in that.
Me and Luke are ok!
Have you heard about Luke apparently cheating on Lisa?
I have. I’ve also heard about Lisa and Luke breaking up – for various different reasons.
I haven’t called Luke. I know he needs his privacy during all this.
I know it didn’t work out for them but I don’t know much more than that.
Now that Lisa’s single, would you want to try and make it work?
I would love to spend more time with Lisa. We get along really well. I don’t doubt that if me and Lisa started talking before me and Tara things would have been different.
Everything happens for a reason and if I see her around in Sydney, I’d catch up with her.
What is your relationship status?
I’m just taking a moment for myself right now. I’m recalibrating after the show.
It’s hard to date after shows like this. You get so many messages from girls but it’s hard to filter the good ones and the ones who are messaging because you were on a show.
It’s challenging.
Going onto the show, did you think you’d find love?
I was really hopeful to find someone special. I’m at the point where I’m settled and I know what I want.
If I was 25-26, sure I’d kiss all the girls but I’m at a different stage.
I’m also a realist. I’m happy being single.
Viewers were really shipping you and Laurina – and she has nothing but love for you. Did you feel any spark?
I adore Laurina. We spent so much time together.
My biggest issue on the show was timing. When Laurina got her date card I was on a date with Elora – so she couldn’t have picked me. Not saying she would have.
Timing is everything and it wasn’t there for Laurina or Lisa.
You really were the island’s refuge – Everyone could talk to you. Was it natural for you to be that person?
I’ve had so many people say that to me! I didn’t plan it [Laughs]
I definitely was the Dr Phil at times.
Jarrod and Keira would come to me. It could be draining at times.
How turbulent are Keira and Jarrod?
Oh man it’s a rollercoaster! Every hour I check in on Jarrod and I’m like what’s your status? Single, engaged, married?
He’d be like “right now I’m good” and then the next minute he’ll be like “she’s dead to me. I’m over it!”
I don’t know what it will be like in the real world – if they make it.
It was just insanity.
Are you happy with your BIP experience?
Yes absolutely! My biggest issue was timing… Maybe if that was different, I don’t know.
We just want you to find love Michael!
Channel Ten have to make The Bachelor now. I’ve done 2 shows – no girlfriend.
Maybe third times the charm [Laughs]
Was there a Bachie beauty that you’d hope be on the island?
I didn’t mind. I wanted to see Tara and Laurina and maybe some American girls.
