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Farmer Wants A Wife favourite Lauren McNeil has broken her silence amid fan speculation she may have reunited with Farmer Bert.
Lauren devastated viewers when she decided to leave Bert and his farm halfway through the show, explaining the show had “really taken its toll”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lauren farewells Farmer Bert.
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While Bert accepted her decision, he whispered before she left: “Don’t be a stranger.”
This week, fans learned Bert also made the call to send the remaining ladies home and stay single to focus on his farm work.
His decision sparked so much hopeful speculation Lauren and Bert had reunited post-filming that the contestant was prompted to speak out via Instagram stories on Thursday night.
“Just wanted to make a quick announcement for those that are invested in FWAW,” she said.
“Of course, I left the show of my own accord in April, but rumours have been swirling that Bert and I are a couple.
“I know this will be disappointing for some to hear, but we are not together.
“Though Bert and I still talk and are friends, we have not seen each other since I left the farm that night.”
Lauren confirmed she was still single and knew her “person is out there”.
“I wish B all the best!” she went on. “Thanks for all the lovely words and overwhelming support. It’s been so unexpected but has meant the world to me.
“P.S. Don’t believe everything you read, most ‘insider’ sources are people not known to us/looking for a payout, look after each other!
She ended her message, “Love, your map girl x.”
In Lauren’s final episode, she broke the news of her departure to Bert while he was on a date with the two other women.
“I wanted to come chat to you, because I’m really struggling,” she told Bert.
“This whole process has been really hard for me. I’m not sure I can keep doing it, so I’ve packed my bags.
“I’m going to go home. It’s just too much for me.”
Bert appeared stunned, whispering in her ear as they hugged goodbye: “Don’t be a stranger”.
“(I’m) definitely torn. I think the world of Lauren,” he told producers in a confessional about her decision.
“I had hoped that she would stick it out and we could explore where things potentially could go.
“But I’m definitely not going to put any added pressure on her to stay.
“Obviously it didn’t work out but hopefully it will all work out for the best.”
At the time, the video was shared on the Farmer Australia Instagram, prompting an influx of comments.
“Noooo. Go find her Farmer Bert!! Lauren is the best! She will be the one that got away!” one said.
“What a shame. He’s missed a lovely match there,” added a second.
“She was the pick. How disappointing,” another said, while a fourth agreed: “I am so sad Lauren left. I thought she was the perfect match for Bert.”
Lauren addressed her decision later that evening on Instagram, saying her mental health was more important than “everything”.
“Sometimes to leave is the brave thing. No longer a contestant, but still writing my own love story,” she said in a post from April 23.
“Thanks to @bertharris for the journey and constant kindness, and to all the gorgeous ladies I met along the way — so brave.
“Please be kind and check in on each other. Mental health (over) everything,” she said.
Some of the other hopefuls from the 2024 season were quick to respond to Lauren’s message.
“Loz I’m crying. You are such a beautiful person inside and out, and I’m so proud of you for sticking it out for as long as you did,” one of Bert’s other ladies, Caitlin Crank, said.
“Love you my forever roomie. Never settle for anything less than you deserve and that’s the world xx.”
Caity Dunn, who left Farmer Bert’s property before Lauren, wrote: “I know this wasn’t an easy choice to make. I’m forever proud of you for listening to your heart.
“Ever since our D&M by the pool and car karaoke I knew you’d be a forever friend. Love you lots.”