The Bachelorette Australia fans have a new front-runner and his name is Taite Radley.
After having his initial date taken away by wild-rose holder Bill Goldsmith, Taite finally scored his first one-on-one date with Ali Oetjen on Thursday’s episode, and it’s safe to say the sparks were flying.
In an NW exclusive, while catching up with the final eight men vying for Ali’s heart, Taite, along with Todd and Charlie, gave us some serious insight into their relationship with Ali.
Taite, 28
In bed with Taite Radley. (Source: NW Exclusive)
How are things going, Taite?
“I’m just continuing to try and find opportunities to go up to Ali. A lot of people are second-guessing it, like, “Who’s next?” We’re not at a theme park! People are like, ‘Do we grab a ticket?’ No – just
go in when you’re ready!”
**Are you catching feelings?”
“I’m still unsure – it’s so early in the process. I find it harder to let my guard down, but I will. You just don’t want to come across as too desperate.”
If nothing develops there, will you stick around?
“I’m more than happy to walk away from this experience because I don’t want to waste her time or mine.”
Do you reckon you’re wasting your time?
“On face value, Ali’s beautiful. But I’ve dated beautiful girls in the past, and that hasn’t worked out. Obviously, I’m attracted to the girl – but there’s more to love than looks.”
Did you look Ali up to make sure she was your type?
“I had a look for sure. I had a look straight away. I was like, “Damn, I want to check this girl out.” I’m not going on a blind date. I don’t want to rock up and be like, “S–t! Like, do I go back, call work and tell them I’m coming back?” [Laughs]
Todd, 26
In bed with Todd King. (Source: NW Exclusive)
You are certainly a favourite, aren’t you, Todd?
“It’s a battlefield! I’ve mustered more courage though. I think there’s a connection there, so I guess that’s always a good start.”
Is she keen on you, too?
“Well, I felt the spark as soon as I met her. Naturally I’m a pessimist, so I was sceptical as to whether you can actually fall in love on reality TV, but now I have no doubt that you can.”
Is Ali your traditional type?
“I find attraction in all sorts of things – I do, however, generally date six-foot-tall blondes. I like tall blondes!”
Have you thought about what a future with Ali would look like?
“I’m 26, so obviously I’m a few years Ali’s junior. I wanted to have kids by 30, so I think we’re on the same page with the time frame. But something that’s close to my heart is fostering kids. So when I’m more financially stable, that’s what I want to do. In terms of my own, I’m flexible – I want them, but I’ve got five sisters, so it’s likely to be a girl.”
Do you reckon you and Ali would have cute kids?
“As long as they get my height and any other of her features! One thing that surprised me was I thought Ali would be taller – but she’s a little shorty, which is really cute.”
Perfect – you have the height, Ali has the blue eyes…
“We’ve got all bases covered!”
Charlie, 31
In bed with Charlie Newling. (Source: NW Exclusive)
Charlie, you’ve been smitten from the get-go!
I applied because it was Ali – there was an attraction when I saw her on Bachelor in Paradise and thought I’d give it a go. I went back through old seasons, stalked her Instagram, did all my research before I got committed – as you do! You’ve got to be prepared!”
Guessing you watched her on Season One then?
I thought she was quite cute – the younger version of Ali!”
Clearly you’re falling in love – how do you go about watching the other guys with Ali?
“It’s extremely hard to sit back, but that’s the process. I’ve come in knowing that if I get a connection to just trust in that, and that’s what I’m doing. I think it will be fine.”
Who’s your biggest competition?
“Taite – he’s a genuine, good guy. I think he’s a force to be reckoned with.”
What if she doesn’t choose you?
“That’s my greatest fear – at the end, you’re going to be, like, completely engulfed and involved and committed, and to have her choose someone else, it’s going to be a disaster.”
WATCH: Taite and Ali share their first kiss.
For “In Bed” with the rest of the final eight bachelor PLUS more gossip and exclusives, pick up a copy of this week’s NW magazine.
