It was the episode we were all waiting for and last night Bachelor in Paradise delivered.
With a five guy to seven girl ratio, Alisha Aitken-Radburn and Cat Henesey-Smith were quick to point out that Paradise was definitely in need of another boy or two.
While both girls were eager for some fresh meat, Rachael Gouvignon was loving that she had Nathan Favro and Bill Goldsmith fighting over her and could not fathom managing any more relationships.
However, when former flame Richie Strahan walked through the gates of Paradise, she was left breathless and eager to settle some unfinished business. Unfortunately for Rachael, Richie also caught the eye of Cass and Cat.
Vanessa Sunshine arrived in paradise. Best known for being “not thrilled” with last season’s Bachelor Nick Cummins, Vanessa was tasked with doing a pheromone test and selecting the best smelling shirt of the boys in Paradise.
After stating she didn’t want a party boy, Vanessa was disappointed to see the shirt she picked belonged to 23-year-old Nathan. Their date involved giving each other massages and Vanessa was less than impressed with his technique.
Back in paradise, Cat was enjoying getting to know Richie, unaware that he only saw her as a friend. The plot thickened, with the arrival of Richie’s former flame Alex Nation.
Alex revealed that her and Brooke Blurton were meant to meet up on the outside world. With their schedules never quite lining up, Alex was hoping to get that drink in Paradise.
Richie was visibly uncomfortable when he saw Alex arrive and it was revealed that they hadn’t spoken in over a year. James Trethewie was more than happy to distract Alex but in the end it was Alex who initiated contact with Richie, pulling him aside for a chat.
After nine nail-biting minutes of a lot of he said, she said, the duo agreed that they just wanted each other to be happy and both appeared to get closure.
On a lighter note, Cass helped Brittney Weldon’s dream of a conga line come true, American Alex continued his pursuit of Brooke and Cass had a nervous sparkle in her eye for Richie.
Unfortunately for Richie the lighter times were short-lived with Rachael pulling him aside for a chat. Rachael wanted to know why he sent her home on their season of The Bachelor Australia, and while he didn’t want to hurt her feelings, he just wasn’t interested.
Brooke finally got her chance to chat with Alex and it left Alex Bordyukov feeling uneasy. They were both full of compliments for each other and the attraction was obvious to anyone watching, especially American Alex.
The arrival of Connor J. Obrochta from the 14th season of The Bachelorette U.S. saw Shannon excited, and it appeared that the feeling was mutual.
Alisha decided to up her game with Paddy, organising their own beach front romantic date. Paddy was clearly impressed with the cheese board layout and it ended in a straddled kiss.
Osher arrived to announce the first rose ceremony and with seven men and nine women, there would be two women going home.
The cocktail Party saw Rachael in a tail spin and with her eye on Richie’s rose, she decided to shut Nathan down sighting his age as an issue.
At the rose ceremony, all eyes were on Richie’s rose and when he called out Cass’s name, Rachael lost her footing and Cat stormed out.
Returning to Paradise for a third chance at love is NSW tradie, Davey Lloyd and from Ali’s season of The Bachelorette Australia fan-favourite, Jules will crash the party tonight.
