The naked truth
Bachelorettes bare all
As they flaunt their bods in barely-there lingerie, there’s no question that these glamazons have all the body confidence in the
world, but when it comes to the future of their blossoming relationships with Zac Franich, the final three babes of The
Bachelor New Zealand aren’t so self-assured.
Nine weeks ago, when Viarni Bright, Claudia Hoskins and Lily McManus first met Three’s likeable yet lovelorn leading man, they never could have predicted how far they’d fall for him. But with only three ladies left, Zac’s lifechanging decision looms large and they know only one will get their happy ending.
“It would be awesome if Zac and I could just walk off into the sunset together, but I know that can’t happen and that’s the scary thing,” says fan favourite Viarni, 22, from Tauranga. “In the last few dates, my feelings for him have grown quite a lot and while you don’t want to let your mind wander too far,
it’s hard not to imagine how good life could be if things were normal – no group dates, no cameras and no mics.
I’ll be there!
“My last serious relationship was long-distance and my boyfriend could be away for months at a time. Now I’m looking for someone who can be there for me as much as I’ll be there for them – and I know Zac could be that guy.”
While Viarni knew instantly the handsome Bachelor, 28, was special from the moment she clapped eyes on him, carefree Aussie girl Lily McManus needed a little more convincing. Sceptical by nature, the 20-year-old tells Woman’sDay, “I never expected that the guy they found wouldn’t turn out to be a giant douche bag. Truthfully, I had really low expectations of this whole process.”
But against the odds, the wild child – whose mum signed her up for the show – has fallen head over heels for Zac.
“Not only does he find my jokes funny, but he can laugh at himself, which I love,” explains Lily. “I really enjoy that he’s super-vocal and emotionally intelligent. Zac knows exactly how he feels and he’s never afraid to speak about it. I really appreciate when Zac puts himself on the line like that – not a lot of dudes these days could do the same.”
It was Zac’s brave decision to speak about his depression that hit at the end of his competitive kayaking career that really struck a chord with Lily, whose brother has also battled mental illness.
“Zac’s experience really tugged at my heartstrings,” she says. “If you don’t speak about it, then the worst can happen. Zac did a really admirable thing – hands down, he’s a great guy.”
Blonde beauty Claudia recently confessed to
Woman’sDay about her struggles with borderline personality disorder, which saw her intentionally drive her car into a power pole in 2016, and she agrees that Zac’s willingness to be vulnerable paved the way for their instant, enduring connection.
“I knew that I could feel comfortable talking about my past with Zac, knowing I wouldn’t be judged for it,” says the Dunedin student. “Having that understanding meant we could take our relationship to another level that perhaps he couldn’t reach with the other girls.”
Kissed me first!
But despite their special bond, Claudia – who was the first to nab a passionate smooch with the Bachelor – worries her age might affect Zac’s decision. She explains, “I’ve been raised by parents who have quite an age gap between them, so it doesn’t feel odd to me, but I’m only 21, I’m still studying and my career isn’t set up yet, so my biggest concern is if that worries Zac at all.
“But I feel like Zac and I are on the same page. We’re not
looking to settle down in the very near future – we’re looking for a companion while also enjoying lots of good times, travel and adventures along the way.”
Claudia concludes, “I do have strong feelings for Zac and I’m very sure those are mutual. To be sent home now would be devastating.
“But I know this isn’t just about me. Zac is only following his heart and if that means I’m not the one for him, then I’ll be able to find peace in that.”