How do you cope with negative comments about you, particularly on social media?
The most bizarre comments have been negative ones towards us girls. One was "why not do something worthwhile for society, like go help in a rest home". Clearly they didn't watch the first episode. I had a good laugh at that one, but the bachelorettes are all talented, smart and really giving. It's unfortunate some people choose to not see that.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
For me there is no jealousy. We all know we're in a crazy situation, and that 22 of us will be going home without a rose. It was always exciting to hear about the time the other girls spent with Jordan -- whether he had chosen a date that suited their personality and how they felt about him afterwards. It's an experience we all wanted to share, it would be a shame to go through it clouded by jealousy.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
I think it's something we all have to be prepared for and it's not as if Jordan is the only single man in the world.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
Us bachelorettes are lucky in that we have a built-in support network. At any point if I needed support I knew there was a bachelorette to turn to.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
So far I am happy!
What do you miss most about the outside world?
My friends and family but also just living my regular life. In the bachelorette mansion we have no idea when a date card will arrive, who will be on it, and deciphering the clue is pretty hard, and then of course who will leave at the rose ceremony. It's obviously quite different to having a regular routine!
NAZ KHANJANI
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I honestly can't date guys that are shorter than me, even if they're the same height. Once when I met up with a guy, it was so awkward for me having to pretend it didn't bother me, but I didn't want to be rude! I told him I had to rush home and we never met up again.
How do you cope with negative comments about you particularly on social media?
I'm probably one of the strongest woman you'll ever meet. Negative comments on social media don't phase me at all, that's why I don't respond. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but what they think of me is their own issue to deal with, not mine.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
I don't get jealous. I'm such a confident person. It's definitely a strange situation but I just went with the flow and had some fun along the way!
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
My one and only strategy is to be myself. I'm not scared of being rejected because I know my journey for love won't end.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
We have a huge support network behind the scenes to help anyone with anything they're struggling with. I personally am doing great and haven't needed any assistance so far.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
I definitely am a very outspoken person. I speak what's on my mind and I am a realist. What you see is what you get. A lot of people take it as being bitchy but I personally would rather that than be presented as being fake. If there is one thing I would change if I went back, it would be to put more trust in Jordan to make the right decisions instead of being so protective of him. I just can't help it though, it's in my nature!
What do you miss most about the outside world?
My family, friends & Siberian husky!
CERI McVINNIE
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I think I was 18 and I was on a second date with a guy who was in his early 20s. He started talking about how he really wanted kids and proceeded to try and show me photos of his best friend's wife's caesarean. I could not run away fast enough!!
How do you cope with negative comments about you, particularly on social media?
I do think it is human nature to want to know what is being said about me. Obviously I prefer the good! I don't take the negative comments to heart. I know who I am and so do the people who matter in my life. The worst comment I saw about myself was someone saying I made up the domestic abuse story to gain a "sympathy vote". It's such a serious issue and has taken me a while to feel comfortable to talk about. I never considered my past might play to my advantage -- I was being open and honest with Jordan.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
It's definitely strange but understandable. Jordan does have a way of making us all feel special, especially on single dates. Surprisingly, I don't think there is much jealousy. Yes, it's hard seeing Jordan spend time with other girls, but I think at the same time we're all friends and weirdly happy for each other.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
I think rejection is always going to hurt no matter what but as there's so many girls, I've tried to be prepared from the beginning. We're all amazing, beautiful and unique women, it really does come down to what Jordan is looking for. I guess for me, if I don't receive a rose, I'll surround myself with my family and friends who love me.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
All of us girls are pretty supportive of each other. I think a few of them are quite protective of me, as I am currently the youngest on the show. Sarah's definitely taken on the "big sister" role for me and always there to offer advice and support when I need it.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
I'm pretty happy with how I've been portrayed. I'm a bit of a dork and I think the audience can see that and relate. I'm not smooth and not very good at playing it cool. I'm just being me.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
I miss my family!! Family is so important to me and such a big part of my life.
ERIN HIGGINS
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I don't think I have any bad dating stories ... unless they were so bad I have blocked them from my memory! I am a bit of a traditional girl, so I don't use dating websites, I prefer the old fashioned way of meeting guys.
How do you cope with negative comments about you, particularly on social media?
Cyber bullying is a very serious and global issue and absolutely no one deserves to be bullied. I am trying not to look for negative comments, haters are going to hate, it's impossible to please everyone. Seeing lots of positive comments from complete strangers is just so awesome and I am glad people have noticed my easy-going and optimistic attitude. I read a book called The Secret when I was 18 years old so have tried to live a positive life since then, not getting involved in any negativity.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
It is a very weird feeling being friends and living with the girls who are also dating the same guy as you! No one really understands but us. I think under the circumstances everyone handled it so well. It is not in my nature to be jealous or talk bad of others. Only one girl ends up with Jordan, so why not embrace the experience and also come out of it with a whole bunch of awesome new friends.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
I think I will be prepared if Jordan is to send me home. Of course it will be an upsetting situation if I don't receive a rose, but if he is following his heart then I fully respect and accept his decision. It also just means there is someone else more suited to me that I am meant to end up with.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
Although we are all dating Jordan, the other bachelorettes were a great support network. We are the only ones who know what it is like to be in that situation. The crew were also great to talk too, they were my bachelorette family.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
Living and working on a boat was great preparation for living in the bachelorette mansions, I am used to getting on with all different types of people so that's why I didn't get involved with any of the drama. I think that I am being portrayed pretty well, from what I have seen I am laughing a lot, getting on with everyone, and having a good time so that's pretty much me!
SARAH WALLACE
How do you cope with negative comments about you, particularly on social media?
I am lucky I haven't read or encountered any hurtful or negative comments. But if I do I would just take it with a grain of salt.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
It is a bizarre situation to put yourself into competing for the affections of one man. What surprised me the most is how easy it was to detach yourself from that aspect and to still be supportive of the other girls. Jealousy is definitely going to be an aspect and naturally you would if your feelings became less significant in comparison to another, although if you are willing to put yourself into this environment you have to have a level of understanding.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
You can never fully prepare for rejection, I guess you need to remind yourself of who you are and what's important. If you are experiencing negative emotions around rejection it helps to identifying it, and work through it. Surround yourself with people that care and love you no matter what, and laugh it off.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
I had some time to talk to supportive friends who picked up their phones for a quick chat and guidance. I was also lucky to have supportive friends in the house who I could truly confide in.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
The first date showed my determination to get up on that wake board so I was happy with my portrayal. Other girls were the focus for their dates as the show rolled on, so naturally I wasn't the focus because I am definitely not shy. I wouldn't change a thing, people who know me know who I am but maybe I would change my facials in the rose ceremonies.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
When you are confined to the mansion you miss your freedom to come and go as you please, your normal routine and especially your friends and family, but the mansion was pretty sweet too.
FLEUR VERHOEVEN
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I actually haven't done a whole lot of dating in the past, and have only ever been on two Tinder dates. However one guy, who I met for dinner, texted me as soon as I got home asking me to come back to the car park. When I asked him why, he replied saying he wanted to kiss me. It was a little creepy and fair to say I didn't go back!
How do you cope with negative comments about you, particularly on social media?
I think it is very normal to be curious what other people say about you. Luckily for me the majority has been extremely positive. I do get the odd negative comment which can be tough and hurtful but then I remember that people who take time out of their lives and bother to say something nasty aren't worthy me wasting time. I think the most important thing to do is not to take it personally and remember that "those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind". (Dr. Seuss).
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
Living together with several girls who are after the same guy's attention is definitely crazy and not always easy, however, jealousy is not something I struggled with in the house. Hearing other girls talk about their time with Jordan is definitely the hardest part of this whole experience but I wouldn't call it jealousy. It's more to do with the thought of opening up and being vulnerable, while not being able to receive confirmation from Jordan that he feels the same way only for you. For me I tried not to compare my connection with Jordan with the ones he has with the other girls, because that would drive me mad.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
The chances of getting hurt are very real and not something you can really prepare yourself for, but I try and remind myself before every rose ceremony that whatever is meant to be is meant to be. If Jordan decides that I'm not the one for him then I am 100 per cent sure there will be someone else out there for me.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
I am very close with all the other girls and we are always there for each other. However sometimes it just wouldn't be right to discuss your feelings with each other, especially when it comes to our feelings for Jordan. For me my coping mechanism has always been to write, which is why I brought along a journal.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
Going into the show one of the most important things for me was to stay true to myself and to stay away from being nasty. Overall I have been very happy with the way I've been portrayed and wouldn't change a thing.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
Being away from home, from family and friends is definitely the toughest. While in Hawaii I missed the birth of my niece, which wasn't easy at all.
GAB DAVENPORT
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
Tinder has been ticked off my list before. I think in its earlier days there was an initial awkwardness of being on Tinder, or being seen on it, but now I guess it's kind of socially accepted. It's just another way to meet people, and I know lots of couples whose relationships started from Tinder!
How do you cope with negative comments about you particularly on social media?
Social media has some great benefits, but with any high there's always a low and there can be a dark side to social media. I stay away from the negativity, there's no point wasting energy and time.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
Yes strange is a bit of an understatement. I mean, sure, in life there could be as many girls as there are here attracted to one guy -- but you definitely wouldn't expect them all to be living together!
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
I think I've come into The Bachelor with very open eyes and well aware that there is a high chance of rejection -- 1 in 23! I haven't got strategies in place per se, but I think if I'm not the final girl standing I have so much in life to be grateful and happy for.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
Ironically the girls are the support network in the house. This was something that I guess was sometimes challenging -- if one girl was down in the house it was easy for the mood to spread round the mansion. We were all pretty close and could pick up if someone wasn't quite okay, or just having a tough time. At the end of the day we were all going through similar strains -- missing home etc so we could kind of ride the wave together and support each other through those days.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
In life there are always things you want to change, it is about being prepared to accept to change and learn from those moments. I think when you see the show as a viewer, as I am now, you say and even hear yourself saying oh that's not me, that wasn't how I recall that moment playing out. Being on the show you have to accept that you may not like what you see sometimes but as long as you continue to believe in yourself and that viewers can see more than just that.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
Definitely my family and friends and not being able to contact them whenever I wanted was really hard. We aren't allowed our phones, and that's where my music lives so it was really hard not being able to chuck on headphones and relax with some tunes!
STORM HALKETT
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I certainly have tried online dating before, who hasn't? I haven't had any horror story experiences really but there was one Tinder date I remember well and like to laugh about. He was a nice guy, bought me brunch and then we decided to do something different and go op shopping. We pretty much shopped on our own and then he came out to show me some jeans he was trying on ... women's skinny jeans. A few bucks a pair so he bought two. We didn't speak after that.
How do you cope with negative comments about you particularly on social media?
Yes absolutely, but you have to be prepared to take it all in and not be too sensitive with online comments if you are prepared to look. I think you just need to remember that what is shown of you on the show in no way defines your personality and there are always going to be negative people out there! I don't pay attention to negativity, I really respect myself and feel great about who I am, and love to make others feel good because that's how I like to be treated! It's not hurtful at all. I think there was one viewer who called me a 'hussy' because I make out with him at every cocktail party. It was one time! You just have to laugh at comments like that.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
I think it certainly is strange! I'm a very realistic person though and I had a plan to just treat it as I would on the outside world, and trying to forget the weird circumstances. It was never a competition to me, just a chance to try and get to know someone. I have been realistic, he might not be perfect for me, and I am still trying to find that out. Jealousy was a topic that was brought up from time to time and I could never relate because it's just not an emotion I have ever felt in a romantic situation. I loved hearing about the other girls' dates, and if I ever look like I'm not, it's because I'm not convinced it was as romantic and magical as perhaps they were conveying. I think it was natural for some girls to try to 'over-sell' the date experience, we were going on first dates for most of the show; good things take time and he can't be perfect for every single girl.
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
Absolutely. I am okay with rejection because I think you have to be realistic about the situation and finding a true match is rare and it comes down to crazy good chemistry.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
Yes this was by far the hardest part of the experience and it was hard. We had access to a few phone calls but we are essentially cut off from the world and that can affect a person. You saw that it was a struggle from my 'moment' in Hawaii! My niece had just been born back home and I'd just become an aunty for the first time and my emotions were running high. The other girls were great support; it was good for us to talk off camera about how we were feeling.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
In some ways yes, but in other ways no. I always tried to be myself, but it is very challenging in that environment and after a while you feel quite burnt out. I would change some things, like how I dealt with the confinement, but I know I have to just look back on it all and feel good about certain aspects of it! Life is about experiences and trying new things.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
Talking to my friends and family of course, closely followed by music. I'm a very independent person and can admit that I love my own company, so it was very hard to not have the freedom to do all the things I usually would to relax.
KATE CAMERON
What is your best dating horror story from the past?
I have been lucky to have had no horror stories. I think the horror in any dating situation is getting to the end of a date that just isn't flowing and the guy asking to see you again. At the moment you wish you had stayed at home, had a date night with your fat pants and a bottle of red watching Teen Mom.
How do you cope with negative comments about you particularly on social media?
I don't buy into what other's are saying about me on social media purely because the opinions of my family, friends, clients and colleagues are what matter most to me. A friend once told me "What other's think of you is none of your business". It's a great motto to live by.
Do you not find it a bit strange so many girls seem to be so fantastically attracted to the same guy at the same time and in the one place?
It is odd, but the circumstances also reveal a lot about each of their personalities and how they approach the situation. Jealousy is a natural result of the situation we are in. Without it, there wouldn't be the commentary that viewers love to hear!
Are you fully prepared for rejection?
I have always said that 22 girls have an expiry date on The Bachelor apart from one, so it's important to always be ready to be sent home. If it's my turn, then it's about being grateful for the experience, and friendships I have made as well as getting the chance to know a great guy. It's as simple as that.
What support network do you have behind the scenes?
We are each other's counsellors! We all have had our ups and downs so it's important to learn who you can trust (and who you cannot) so that you can ride the highs and manage the lows.
Are you happy with the way you have been portrayed on TV?
I am a fun, down to earth, honest, happy, driven, kind, loving woman. If you watch an episode and think the same, then yes I have been portrayed as me.
What do you miss most about the outside world?
Spontaneity, friends and family and my work buddies.
