Canberra girls in the race for The Bachelor’s heart
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This season of The Bachelor just got a whole lot more interesting – with not one, but two Canberra women joining the contest to win Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins’ heart.
Political advisor Alisha Aitken-Radburn and dance teacher Emily Dibden have given us even more reason to stay glued to our screens this Wednesday 15 August at 7:30pm (and let’s be honest, every episode for the rest of the season).
We caught up bombshell ballerina Emily to get the low-down on all things Bachie:
Why did you apply to be a contestant?
It was following a hard breakup. I thought I’d found the love of my life and I moved overseas for it and it wasn’t working out. I came back home and had a long year of not really meeting anyone and not having much success with love, and ultimately I just really want to find the love of my life. I’m really ready to find someone to spend my life with. That was my main motivation.
I saw the show, I’ve watched it for a few years, I friggin’ love it, and I thought at that point that auditioning, even if it doesn’t end up with The Bachelor itself, at least I’m putting myself out there at getting the opportunity to meet new people as well. You know, being a Canberra girl, Canberra is small, and I’ve given it a good go and now I’m ready to branch out.
What was the application process like?
Once I saw that they were going to do The Bachelor this year I was just so excited. As soon as I saw the ads for it on the TV, I signed up straight away. It was a really long time before I heard back, because I’d gone in so early. I’d almost forgotten that I’d applied and I really didn’t think I would get on. I thought, “Oh, no, they’re probably not looking for someone like me,” I’m not quite sure. But I just thought, “Oh, we’ll just see, it would be really amazing if I got on but there’s a lot of girls that apply who are just gorgeous.”
To then finally get the callback was such a shock, and I was just elated, it was so exciting to be able to be a part of such an incredible journey and opportunity.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXdk-9lJ8-/?hl=en&taken-by=emilydibden
What was the reaction like from your friends and your family?
I’m so lucky. I have such an incredible support network here in Canberra, and all over. I mean, for one, my family are very close, very tight. They were just over the moon. They were really, really stoked for me and they knew that I would make the most of the opportunity and have a lot of fun. So, in terms of family, super excited, and friends as well. I’m lucky, I’ve got some really beautiful friends.
Did you know before you applied that Nick Cummins was The Bachelor?
No, I only knew it was him when I was walking down to meet him for the first time! When I saw him, I was just blown away, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know a lot about Nick, but I had seen a few of his videos so I did recognise him as Nick Cummins, “the Honey Badger”, when I saw him. The first thing I kind of noticed about him is obviously he’s a very funny guy, but he also had really kind eyes, and seemed like a very genuine kind of bloke, so that was just really exciting to be able to meet him in that moment.
Did you have a type prior to going on the show? How did Nick measure up to that?
I actually don’t have a type at all! In terms of looks, physically, not at all. I guess I like them to be tall, because I’m just under six foot, so it was a nice surprise to see that he is. But I’ve dated guys shorter than me before, it really just comes down to, are they lovely? Are they going to love me for me, and are they ready to take that next step and build a future together? And I guess having a little bit of that humour as well is also a plus.
What was life in the Mansion like?
It was so amazing. I mean obviously completely different to normal life, and just a surreal experience. But it was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed meeting all of the girls. I feel like I’ve come out with a whole bunch of new friends from all over Australia, they were so beautiful in all different kinds of ways. There was such an eclectic mix of gorgeous girls.. Obviously sometimes it’s harder because you’re putting your heart out on the line, but generally it was just like a really cool experience and I just can’t wait to see it go to air.
Did you bond with fellow Canberran Alisha?
Yes, I did! It’s incredible because when we first met each other, we completely clicked. I just love her to death, and it’s so amazing because we really do have completely different interests in terms of, she works in Parliament and I’m a dancer, and that kind of thing. But we really clicked and it was just so cool to have a fellow Canberra girl, because I am just so proud to be a Canberra girl, I just love Canberra. I really do. And to have both of us on the show there, representing, was pretty special.
Looking back now, are you happy that you applied to be a contestant?
Yeah. I mean, of course we’re yet to see the show and just see what happens. But so far, it’s been really great. I’ve actually learned a lot about myself during this experience as well. Putting yourself out there and doing things that you never normally would, and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is really a great way to learn. I’m really thankful for the opportunity, I’m excited to see what comes of it.
We couldn’t be happier to have two accomplished and beautiful women representing Canberra in the world of reality TV. Tune in to Channel Ten this Wednesday 15 August at 7:30pm to see Alisha and Emily meet the Honey Badger in all his Bachelor glory.
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