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Farmer Bert has dropped a bombshell, with Brooke, Catilin and Karli packing their bags after he admitted he does not “have what it takes to be in a relationship right now”
The Farmer Wants a Wife star put his 24-hour date on hold with Brooke due to his farm work and, after some soul-searching, made the difficult decision to depart the show — without selecting any of the ladies.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Farmer Bert leaves Farmer Wants a Wife solo.
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Bert explained to the group: “Coming into this experience, I was looking for someone to share my life with.
“I think all the girls are wonderful, but I don’t have what it takes to be in a relationship right now.
“I just don’t have the emotional time to be the person that people are deserving of. That’s the reality of it.”
“Goodbyes are pretty hard for me. It always hurts but I know that deep down that it was the right choice for me to make. I was fully open to the idea of falling in love,” a devastated and apologetic Bert reflected.
“I guess along the way the stress of it all, the workload, everything just got too much. The farm never stops taking.
“There’s always more work to be done. Before I start a relationship with somebody, I want to be happy with the farm, happy with my life, and I guess happy with all of it.”
Farmer Bert’s ladies — Brooke, Catilin and Karli — were shocked and disappointed, but empathised with his position.
Brooke admitted: “I didn’t expect that tonight. Obviously, you want to be the girl at the end, or someone that he’s sure of and falls madly in love with, but I care deeply about him, so I feel OK about it.”
“I want what’s best for him and this is what has to happen at this point in time,” Karli said.
As Bert wrestled with his momentous decision, farmers Todd, Joe and Dustin moved closer to finding love on make-or-break 24-hour dates.
Farmer Dustin impressed Belle with a helicopter ride over his farm before an overnight stay at a winery.
Farmer Joe saw a different side to Keely after their mountain bike date, before spending the night at a cottage in Thredbo, while Keely admitted he had all the qualities she was looking for in a life partner and future father of her kids.
Farmer Todd explored his spark with Jacinta on a romantic river paddle and night in a glam tent before another round of gut-wrenching farm farewells.
After recognising his connection with Claire had lost momentum, Farmer Joe sent her home, while Dustin bid a bittersweet goodbye to Mum’s choice Belle, admitting his relationship with Anna and Sophie was stronger.
Farmer Todd felt Ellen fell into the friend zone, wishing her all the best in her future search for love.
Farmer Wants a Wife continues on Sunday 7pm AEST on Channel 7 and 7plus.