Network blunder reveals Bachelor exit

I did really like Zac. He seemed like a really good guy for me. I thought what Zac and I had was really cool and really special. Ousted contestant

A tearful contestant has said goodbye to The Bachelor star Zac Franich — a full four days before her elimination episode is due to air.

The woman’s “heart- wrenching” two- and- a- half- minute exit interview was posted to Three’s streaming website and Three Now app overnight in an apparent mistake by the network.

The Weekend Herald has chosen not to name the contestant. The clip was removed from Three Now shortly after 8.30am yesterday. Three said the video was posted by accident.

“It has been brought to our attention that an elimination interview has been made available online before its intended date,” the network said.

“It has since been removed.

“Three would like to apologise to fans for this monumental error.

“We are reviewing processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The woman’s elimination isn’t set to air until Monday night.

This week, Hannah Howley was sent home, leaving three contestants in the running for Zac Franich’s heart: Viarni Bright, Claudia Hoskins and Lily McManus.

Three’s early exit interview effectively names the top two who will vie for Franich in the finale, set to air on Sunday, May 21.

In her exit interview, the clearly upset woman said she “didn’t see that coming”.

“If that’s what his heart was telling him, that’s fine,” she said while sobbing in the back of a car.

“I did really like Zac. He seemed like a really good guy for me. I really liked him. I thought what Zac and I had was really cool and really special.”

She also said she was “aware of the situation I was in” and that there were “two other girls”.

“I think right now looking back on everything it makes me sad. I know one day I’ll look back on this and be grateful that I’ve done this.

“It’s been an amazing experience, I’ve loved every opportunity I’ve had; it’s taught me so much about myself.

“I just really hate that it’s ended this way.”

The show started out with 19 bachelorettes, but three more “intruders” were recently introduced.

In tomorrow night’s upcoming episode, the three remaining contestants return to their hometowns for Franich to meet their families. The woman’s elimination will air on Monday night.