Heart to heart:

The Bachelor New Zealand’s Zac Franich shares his thoughts with Sarah Nealon on reality TV and why looks are not always the most important thing about a woman.

The Bachelor Zac Franich talks about love and his hopes for this series.

TV Guide: How did you come to be The Bachelor?

Zac: I was approached by some people I know and they suggested that I throw my hat in the ring. So I did and I went in with no expectations whatsoever. I was very surprised when I got a phone call saying ‘Hey we want you to come in’.

Did you have any reservations about doing the show?

My main concern was I wouldn’t be portrayed as the person I see myself as but I think anyone would have that reservation. But that was offset by the amazing opportunity put in front of me which was the opportunity to meet some incredible women, have an amazing experience and potentially find someone you really care about in the end. That won out over the apprehension.

How much of the show’s previous two seasons have you seen?

I didn’t watch either of the previous two seasons.

Weren’t you curious about it?

I was very curious but I wasn’t able to find anything online. I got sent one of the first episodes from one of the seasons ... It was like ‘Oh, Lord. What have I got myself in for?’

The first year’s The Bachelor New Zealand was a roaring success with Art and Matilda but the second year didn’t pan out so well at the end. Is there a lot of pressure on you?

I don’t think there is any pressure on me. I suppose, for me, all I can do is be myself, be who I am, be true to myself and be honest. How people are going to receive that, well that’s largely out of my control. For me it’s just having the confidence that I can make good decisions and I can make the right decision for me.

How did your friends and family react when they found out you were The Bachelor?

At first they laughed and then they laughed at me some more and then they were really supportive.

Given that this is a reality TV show, are you worried about how you might be portrayed?

All I can really do is just be me. I’m not an actor. In fact, I’m a terrible actor. I don’t know how else to play it except just be me. I’ve got complete faith in the people who worked to put the show together.

Are you prepared for all the public scrutiny and media attention?

If I’m honest, probably not. I’m not entirely sure what, if any, preparation I could have done that could have put me in good stead for what’s about to happen.

Some people might say ‘What’s a guy like this doing going on a show like this? He must have loads of women after him’...

Well if they are I haven’t managed to find them. For me I guess I wouldn’t have any problems meeting someone in a normal situation and talking to them. What appealed to me was the uniqueness of this opportunity. And I thought ‘Why not?’ Life’s too short and it’s an incredible opportunity.

When was your last serious relationship?

We dated for a number of years and broke up about a year and a half ago.

Given that you’re a sports guy, could you have a relationship with someone who isn’t sporty?

Potentially yes. I’m open to anything. When you’re younger you think you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for in a woman and those are just guidelines. But now that I’m older there is nothing stopping me from meeting someone who might tick some of those boxes but who still has something that I can’t quite describe. You don’t know what it is but whatever it is lights that fire inside of you. You’re intrigued and really want to spend time with them. To answer your question, it’s definitely not a deal breaker.

What’s your idea of an ideal date?

It could be anything. Going on a walk. Any kind of activity followed by some time to chill out with the lady I’m with.

What sort of qualities are you looking for in a partner?

Someone who’s independent, driven, caring, friendly, outgoing and open-minded. Someone who’s active would be ideal and someone who’s keen to travel.

What about a sense of humour and a person’s looks?

A sense of humour absolutely. Looks for me ... obviously there is that physical attraction at the very start but I find someone’s mind much more attractive than their personality. Their ability to hold a conversation. If they’re intelligent and have ideas and thoughts of their own. I find that more attractive than physical appearances sometimes.

What do you hope to get out of this show?

The ideal would obviously be to find someone who I really care about and can enjoy my future with. That would be what I’m looking for.