Bachelor in Paradise producers explain the story behind Brett’s “secret relationship".

Network Ten has released an official statement regarding the big ole mess that is Bachelor in Paradise, and Brett Moore and his ‘not official but now official’ girlfriend Stephanie Boulton.

In response to Brett’s claims the network’s producers manipulated him into being “the bad guy” by allowing him to come on the show but cancelling his girlfriend and former Bachelor contestant’s contract, Network Ten has released a statement to Mamamia.

“Being single and available to find love is a prerequisite for being on Bachelor in Paradise. Brett and Steph were originally contacted as individuals but said they were seeing each other, so we wished them the best and moved on,” a spokesperson from the Bachelor in Paradise production company Warner Brothers said via Network Ten.

“They both then separately contacted us saying they were now in a position to go on the show, we had no reason to doubt what they said was true.

“Once it was confirmed during filming that Brett and Stephanie were actually dating, Stephanie was no longer eligible for the show.”

We debrief on all the biggest talking points from PARADISE this week. Post continues after audio.

Following Monday night’s episode of BIP, which saw Brett asked point-blank by a producer if he was in a relationship, the 29-year-old personal trainer shared his disappointment with his portrayal on the show in a lengthy Instagram post.

“IMAGINE: you were in the really early days of dating someone and after a hectic year filming two TV series – along with some personal travel – leaving little time together since meeting,” he wrote.

“IMAGINE: you were both asked to then go on a show in Fiji, sip cocktails with your mates from the last two series and, more importantly, spend time with THE girl you’re interested in, all the while being paid.

“Then imagine you arrived on the island first, her contract only then to be ripped up; leaving it too look like you went on a dating show without her.”

A post shared by @suchislife.co on Feb 5, 2018 at 3:28am PST

Doubts over Brett’s relationship status first came up during Sunday night’s premier of the reality TV dating show when fellow contestant Tara Pavlovic said Brett was dating one of her friends.

Here’s hoping Brett and Steph can put all this Hawaiian shirt-wearing Bachelor in Paradise drama behind them and make their Instagram-worthy relationship ‘Facebook official’.

Bachelor in Paradise continues on Network Ten on Sunday night at 7:30pm.

Watching Bachelor in Paradise? Keep up with every BIP on our Bachelor in Paradise page. You can also catch up on the latest recaps below:

The Twins recap Bachelor in Paradise: One man makes Tara cry, and a producer intervenes.

The Twins recap Bachelor in Paradise: It’s like schoolies. But dirtier.

Want to win some skin care goodies? Like to have your opinion heard? Take our short survey now for your chance to a win a skin care pack.