Bachelor Richie spills all in our one-on-one

EXCLUSIVE! And he can cook! Ahead of his debut on The Bachelor, Woman’s Day scored an invite inside Richie’s Perth home writes KIETLEY ISRIN

What was life like after The Bachelorette? It was very different. I’ve always considered myself to be quite a private person but after the show, I’d go out and people would instantly recognise me.

Did you hesitate when you were asked to be the new Bachelor? I’m not going to lie – I had my reservations. My friends and family were really supportive. I was unsure because I knew how intense it could be. I can work a 12-hour day easily, but when you’re doing 16 to 20 hours a day, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. So I was weighing up if I really wanted to go down that avenue again.

Why did you say yes? I waited until the very last minute to give them my final answer. I could potentially meet the woman of my dreams. That, and I love a challenge. You have to be 100 per cent on your game 24/7. It’s kind of exciting and thrilling to have that mental stamina.

Why do you think you’ve been unlucky in love? I’m pretty picky

when it comes comestomeetingto meeting someone. I know what I’m after in my life and the kind of person I want to share it with. Also, the industry that I work in makes i it hard to meet someone.

Have you ever had your heart broken? Yes, I have. It’s not the best feeling and it’s easy to go into your next relationship with walls up because you don’t want to get hurt again.

Tell us about your last serious relationship… It lasted about three-and-a-half years. We loved each other very much but we weren’t the right people for each other. We tried to make it work but we were very, very different people.

What kind of girl are you looking for? I’m looking for someone who is caring and enjoys an adventure. A woman who is just as beautiful on the inside as she sheisis on onthethe outside.outside Oh, and she has to have a good sense of humour, because I love having a good laugh.

What’s a deal-breaker for you? Someone who’s materialistic. I believe they should love you for you and not the things you have.

Will you pop the question at the finale? To be honest, probably not. Marriage is a really big deal to me and in the disposable world we live in, I think we should hang on to something as beautiful as marriage and make it really special.

Do you want to have children? Kids are important. I’d love kids and I can definitely see them in my future.

Can we expect much drama from the women this season? Absolutely. solutely. Ththere There will be drama, drama, drama!