They were both names as the ‘villains’ of their series.

But now The Bachelor ‘s Emily Simms, 31, has taken to social media to defend The Bachelorette contestant, David

Witko

.

Simms shared a picture of herself with Witko whilst sitting on his lap and captioned the image with, “Just hangin’ out with my fellow “villain”, who FYI is actually freaking lovely and down to earth!”

Emily Simms and David Witko. Image via Instagram.

Simms was attending the NBL season launch at Melbourne's Crown Casino with some of the other Bachelor contestants including Ebru Dallikavak, Sandra Rato and Madeleine Van Orsouw.

Followers of Simms were quick to suggest that herself and Witko would make the perfect couple.

"They will be a couple any day now, I can feel it," one commenter wrote. 

Ebru Dallikavak, Sandra Rato, David Witko, Madeleine Van Orsouw and Emily Simms. Image via Instagram.

"

I think they would be the best and cutest couple coming out of The Bachelor/Bachelorette," suggested another.

A follower of Simms also applauded her for keeping it real and standing her ground when it came to her portrayal on the reality dating show. "T

hey look good together. It's nice how she has defended him and stood her ground with what he was portrayed to be," they wrote.

David Witko and Sandra Rato. Image via Instagram.

Simms was quick to comment back, writing,

"Thank you! I will always stand my ground haha. He truly is a lovely guy... People shouldn't ever judge someone until they have actually had a personal encounter with them."

Madeleine Van Orsouw, Emily Simms and Sandra Rato. Image via Instagram.

We guess you can't always judge a book by its cover...

TAP on the image below and scroll through the gallery to see all The Bachelor contestants - and what they're up to now…

GALLERY: The Bachelor contestants; where are they now?

Zilda, 31: Model

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @zildawilliams

Zilda's also been flat out attending events and parties and she also announced on Instagram that she's having breast reduction surgery later this month.

Krystal, 30: Travel Agent

Since the show ended, Krystal has gone MIA on social media. Image via Tenplay.com.au

Tessa, 33: Account Manager

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @t_morrie

As well as holidaying in Bali with the other Bachie girls, Tessa celebrated leaving the show by getting her hair done by dying her hair blonde.

Laura, 28: Veterinary Surgeon

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @dancingqueen18

Apparently, Dr Anal Glands doesn't regret talking about anal glands on camera at all - in fact, what she DOES regret is not sharing even funnier anal glands-related anecdotes. She's heading off on a holiday to Las Vegas later this month.

Sandra, 27: Primary School Teacher

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @sandrabachelorau

In a post-show interview, Sandra said she had no regrets about the way she acted on the show and she defended her "big personality".

Joni, 31: Motivational Speaker

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @joni_b_herhappinessproject

She left the show and went right back to running her motivational program called Her Happiness Project. She recently visited Byron Bay, which she credited with helping her find balance: "If life is about balance then thank you Byron for bringing me back to the middle."

Madeleine, 26: Fertility Nurse

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @madeleinerose_x

Madeleine has been spending time with her family and fellow Bachie girlfriends since filming ended. She posted on Instagram that she met the love of her life the very next day after she was eliminated - her adorable newborn nephew.

Jessica, 24: Hospitality Manager

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @jessica_lea_xx

Jessica has kept a low profile after leaving the show but she's also been relaxing in Bali with the other girls. She also had her first ever photoshoot after her departure from the show. A future in modelling, perhaps?

Bec, 28: Dietitian

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @becchin

When the show concluded Bec finally admitted to meeting Sam in Bali before filming began. She said on The Project, We definitely did run into each other. Bec is now rumoured to be dating trainer Dean Vee.

Jasmin, 24: Marketing Graduate

Image via Tenplay.com.au

Image via Instagram @jasmin__brown

Her Instagram account is filled with drool-worthy photos of her holiday to Thailand, so it's safe to say she's not pining for Sam too much. Jasmin has also been spending her time in Thailand shooting some debut prints for her swimwear ranged, Arrow. Busy girl.

Ebru, 31: Portfolio Man