SOPHIE & STU ELOPE!
‘INSIDE OUR SECRET WEDDING’
From the moment Stu Laundy stepped out of the helicopter, Bachelorette Sophie Monk knew there was something different about the man in front of her.
It wasn’t because she’d met him before – indeed, she and Stu were briefly introduced a year earlier in Sydney – but because she’d felt a spark she hadn’t experienced with any of the other suitors.
“I knew he was The One, I had chemistry with him,” Soph gushes, as she opens up to Woman’s Day at our finale photoshoot.
“I felt like Stu was just there for me. Off camera he was always assuring me and checking to see if I was OK. I know Jarrod cared about me, but it felt like he was trying to compete to win a trophy.”
A TRUE GENTLEMAN
Stu reveals he would always stay behind after filming wrapped to make sure Sophie was happy. y. “It It was probably against the rules, es, but I didn’t listen. I just wanted ted to grab Sophie’s hand and ask sk her how she was doing because use it’s the hardest I’ve ever seen n someone work,” he admits. “She She was like one of those Energiser er bunnies – she just kept going. I’m so proud of her.”
And her instant feelings for him were reciprocated. Like Sophie, Stu felt a connection the second he laid eyes on the pretty blonde singer.
“She was one of the most beautiful people I’d ever seen in my life. She made me laugh, and while I don’t want to sound too sad, it was the first time I’d laughed properly in a long time. From that moment I thought, ‘I’m going to chase this girl,’” says Stu.
Now, head-over-heels in love and looking forward to a future together, the couple reveal their plans to elope and start a family.
“I’d prefer to elope rather than stay in Australia,” Sophie, 37, says. “And I’d want it to be low-key. I just want to have a big party and for everyone to enjoy themselves. Every day is like a performance for me due to my job – I just want to relax and have a good time.”
While Soph, who describes Stu as the best lover she’s ever had, remains tight-lipped on her dream wedding destination, it’s likely Fiji is on the list, given the show’s romantic finale location.
The lovebirds spent their first night together at Momi Bay’s luxurious Marriott Resort, where they stayed in a Royal Ocean Front Bure overlooking the Pacific.
But as viewers will kn know, Stu will first have t to formalise his split plit fr from estranged wife Rachel before the pair can make things official. Fortunately for Stu, Sophie is prepared to wait.
“I don’t care [he’s still married]. It’s part of what makes him who he is. I love him, and it doesn’t matter,” she tells us.
As for children, the pair say [despite Stu’s vasectomy] the prospect of having a baby of their own is “very possible”.
Not only is a reversal an option, but Stu, 44, reveals he had some of his sperm frozen when he decided to go through with the procedure. And Sophie says she’d be open to freezing her eggs should the need arise.
The pair have already set their sights g on having g a son. “I wouldn’t be disappointed if I had another girl, but I’d love to have a boy,” admits Stu.
“I’d want a boy because I know w how hard it is being a girl,” adds s Soph. “I like the name Diesel.”
Revealing what’s in store for the couple over the next few months, Sophie and Stu tell us they plan to spend as much time as possible together as they combine travel with work. And meeting Stu’s four daughters is on the agenda, too.
“I love that he has four girls,” says Soph excitedly. “I have two sisters and I know how hard it can be growing up.
“When they’re ready, I’d love to meet them. Plus I do great hair and makeup!” p
‘I’d prefer to elope rather than stay in Australia’