After eight weeks playing the field, the men of The Farmer Wants a Wife have polished their boots, pressed their best chequered shirts and chosen themselves a missus.
For the season finale, the six true-blue Aussie blokes returned to the Hunter Valley mansion where it all began so that the ultimate object of their affections could descend the stairs and leap into their tanned, muscly arms.
Of all the eligible city-slicking bachelorettes that started out on the show, these are the ones who have won the fellas’ hearts.
Jules and… MEL.
“It feels like we’ve been dating for years, and like we have known each other for years,” she said.
Not one for big displays of emotion, the straight-shooting Tumby Bay farmer even cracked a smile as he spoke of his budding relationship.
“Before coming here, there was a piece of my life puzzle that was missing,” he said. “And I really feel like that piece has been put into place.”
Jedd and… SAM.
This one was a bit of a surprise. Particularly, given that Jedd chose photographer Kerry for his final ‘city date’. But despite romantic Blue Mountains vistas, high tea and sexy wrestling disguised as martial arts practise, it was make-up artist Sam who walked down the stairs and into Jedd’s off-screen life.
So, is there potential for luurrve to blossom between the pair? “I think we’re definitely enjoying each other’s company,” said Sam. “I guess it’s too early to say right now.”
Lachie and… BELINDA.
A fairytale ending alluded Lachie on Love at First Sight, but it seems that he’s finally found his Princess on FWAW.
The pair, who share an adeptness at Dad jokes, are currently travelling between … and … to log relationship hours. But Belinda said, that if things continue to go well, she’d happily go bush and shack up with Lachie on the farm.
Fingers crossed for you, buddy.
Lance and… no one.
Oh, Lance. You sweet, sweet rodeo cowboy.
Despite a seemingly loved-up city date with Lisa, the 51-year-old paralegal, Lance decided last-minute that the romance just wasn’t meant to be. In a heartbreaking display of gentlemanly decency, the 52-year-old told Lisa that, while he thinks very highly of her, the connection wasn’t complete.
Ultimately it came down to one litmus test: “The goosebumps weren’t there,” he said.
While clearly saddened about leaving Lisa in the lurch, Lance said he was certain that it was “the right thing to do.”
And don’t worry ladies, he’s still looking for love. “I’m gunna keep an open mind and open heart, and see where it takes me, I guess.”
Adam and… HAYLEY.
Of course, it’s Hayley. We tried not to see green as charming young Adam professed his blossoming love for the 29-year-old blonde beauty, a.k.a. the woman who “ticks more boxes” than he knew he had.
But, despite our jealousy, it was still sweet to see the 25-year-old dairy farmer giggling like a little boy as he introduced Hayley to the other blokes.
“I’m honestly in the best place of my life that I’ve ever been.” Don’t be so cute, Adam. Just don’t.
Matt and… APRIL.
With a smile so big we could practically see his molars, Matt announced: “I’m in love – I know it.” The object of his affections is brunette bombshell, April – a 23-year-old brand ambassador, tomboy and, unsurprisingly, half-decent skateboarder.
In her almost irritatingly cool, matter-of-fact way, April told host Sam McClymont, “This is the dude.”
There infatuation was pretty obvious thanks to all the touching and giggling, but apparently things are a tad more serious than we realised, as the besotted pair announced that they’ll be living together on Matt’s cattle station. Nawww.
And that’s a wrap on season nine, folks. But don’t worry, thing are sure to be a little different away from the set lights and cameras lenses, so we’ll be sure to follow the off-screen progress of all the on-screen couples in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.