Ladies and gents, in case you didn’t know, everyone’s on-screen boyfriend and all-around gem of a person Konrad was eliminated last night on The Bachelorette. I’m pretty sure I heard every person in Australia collectively yell out “NOOOOOO” when it happened — or maybe that was just me.
But some say it shouldn’t have come as a surprise because rumours have been floating around that the 31-year-old is currently dating former Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield. Yes, you read that right, the two worlds have collided and love is in the air.
POPSUGAR Australia caught up with Konrad and not only did we ask him all things Bachelorette, but we dug deep on whether the whispers surrounding him and Abbie are true.
POPSUGAR Australia: Tell us, what made you apply for The Bachelorette?
Konrad Bien-Stephens: For me, it felt like everything aligned at the time. I’d lost my job due to COVID, and I was made redundant. I thought it would be a great experience and I thought that production was really invested in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette finding love, and I had a good chance at finding someone I’m compatible with and can spend a future with.
PS: Do you have any regrets about your time on the show? Would you do anything differently?
KBS: None whatsoever. I’m really proud of myself for being authentic and maintaining my character and my morals. I wouldn’t take anything back, I think everything happens for a reason.
PS: You had strong feelings for Brooke, even admitting to her that you’re falling in love. Did it take you by surprise when you didn’t receive a rose?
KBS: Yeah, I felt our hometowns date was really nice, when she met my family. Obviously, I didn’t see the chat between my parents and her. I was caught a little off guard, I know the chat between us about what I have planned for my future switched her off, but after the hometowns, I did feel good about it. So I was on the fence about what was going to happen at that rose ceremony.
PS: The question on everyone’s lips is: Are you and Abbie Chatfield a thing?
KBS: Yeah! It has been some time since production finished and I’m really, really grateful I met Brooke. But Abbie is an amazing girl and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us both.
PS: You’re the clear fan favourite from this year, and there’s a lot of buzz about you being The Bachelor next year. Would you do it if you were single?
KBS: Yeah, I would. I would do it if I was approached about it and if I was single at the time. The production, everyone at 10 and Warner Bros. are really invested in the person finding love. So, I think it would be silly not to do it if I was approached and single.
PS: Who do you think will be the last person standing?
KBS: It’s too tough for me to say! They all have different things they bring to the table and they’re all beautiful people. Brooke has a really tough decision to make, and honestly, I just wish her the best. I really do hope she gets her fairytale ending and finds love. But I’m glad I’m not the one making that decision, it’s going to be tough for her.
PS: Before going on the show, did you expect the audience to fall in love with you the way they did?
KBS: No I really didn’t! I didn’t know what to expect going in, if anything it was sort of the opposite, I was a little bit worried what people would think of me. It’s really nice, it’s really special to see people resonate with you when you’re just being yourself. It felt good for sure!
PS: Finally, what’s up next for you?
KBS: I am heading to the Gold Coast in the new year, got a few business ventures I’m working on with friends. And a couple of charity events that I want to organise as well, so there’s a bit on the cards. But it’s exciting! I’m looking forward to the new year.
