Bachelor in Paradise hits our screens in less than a week and it’s the understatement of the year to say we’re excited.
Ahead of Sunday night’s premiere, we had a chat with contestant Michael Turnbull, who first graced our screens on Sam Frost’s season of The Bachelorette, to get all the goss and find out which Paradise co-stars caught his eye.
How long did it take you to get over your heartbreak with Sam Frost?
I think only a couple of months, I was pretty mellow about the whole thing. I think after six months I was back to my fighting best. It took a little bit of time, I didn’t rush back into it, that’s for sure.
What made you want to return to reality TV?
I had so much fun the first time and it was a really positive experience for me, so when Bachelor in Paradise came up – I didn’t know what it was, to be honest, I had to Google and look up all the shows from America, but it looked like fun. I knew there were a couple of people turning up who I really wanted to meet so I thought I’d give it a go.
Can you explain your perfect woman?
Someone who has a sense of humour for sure, laughter is key, I definitely believe that. Someone who’s spontaneous, fit, healthy, has a positive outlook on life – all that normal stuff. Blonde or brunette, I don’t particularly mind. It’s all those positive vibes that I look for.
Did you meet anyone that fits that description on the show?
I really did, I think a lot of the girls on Paradise have wonderful qualities that I’m attracted to. Obviously, I’ve always been really attracted to Laurina and I was looking forward to meeting Tara as well because I hadn’t met her before. It was really, really great to meet her in Paradise.
You mentioned prior to going on the show that you were interested in getting to know Laurina. Was she what you expected?
Yeah, Laurina is exactly what I expected. She says it exactly how it is and she doesn’t point punches. I really admire that quality in her. I think she’s really beautiful, she’s funny, she’s fit, healthy, motivated – she ticks pretty much all the boxes for me, so I knew spending time with her would be an absolute pleasure.
Was it clear from the start who had a connection with who? Were there any fights over the same person?
Yeah there were and that’s what makes Bachelor in Paradise so different, compared to The Bachelor and Bachelorette. It’s a moving thing and most of the drama stemmed from people trying to date the same person at the same time. That was the biggest challenge for everyone.
Who stood out to you straight away on the show?
Tara, for me. Tara was definitely the first one.
Is she the same in real life as how she came across on The Bachelor?
Yeah she’s fun, she’s positive, she’s upbeat. She’s pretty chilled out, she has some really good qualities that I was attracted to straight away. I was just happy to get a chance to spend some time with her, to be honest.
Which guys did you get along with?
I know Davey from my season so we got on well. I spent a lot of time with Jarrod, he was cool. I got along very well with Jake too.
Have you found love?
I definitely met some people who really surprised me in a good way. That’s pretty much all I can say. I was very glad I went on the show and I’m very happy with the way things worked out for sure.
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