Richie Strahan: Possessor of strapping physique, a happy-go-lucky attitude, an intriguing job and about a dozen lady-loves.

On paper (and, let’s be honest, through out TV screens) he seems the perfect guy.

But according to a nasty rumour, there’s one thing Richie’s lacking… and that’s a shower.

Yep — if you havent heard yet, a few (kind of mean) sources are saying the Bachelor himself has a personal hygiene problem.

(We know. Ridiculous! If there’s one place TV stars have access to impeccable grooming resources, it’s the set ofThe Bachelor.)

To be fair, ropes technician Richie probably does occasionally get sweaty on his day job. But we're not complaining. (Photo: Instagram)

For those of you playing catch-up,an anonymous "source" toldNew Idea backin June thatmany contestants were unimpressed with the 31-year-old’s poor hygiene while filming the show.

“Aa fair few expressed their desire to leave more than once,” the so-called source apparently told the magazine.

“No-one knew if he was aware of it, or if it was down to his nerves. But it was noticeable and was certainly a mood killer as far as romance goes.”

We called bulls*** on the rumour a while back, pointing out that a) the amount of candles and roses on set would mask any smells and b) body scent carries pheromones which are totally necessary for attraction, so basically bring on a little bit of a whiffy underarm.

TheMamamia Out Loudpodcast hosts even discussed the issue at length and concluded the rumour was the very worst.

But now it's being dragged up again -- because some fans of the show are claiming that Keira confirmed the stinky suggestion at the latest cocktail party.

The mysterious statement.

ICYMI: As Keira grabbed Richie for a one-on-one dance across the lawn on Thursday night's episode, she whispered to him, “You smell good ... but I can make you smell better.”

Which was weird, because it kind of sounded like she wanted to improve his scent.

At least, that's what some Twitter users made of it.

Also worth considering -- news.com.auinterviewed eliminated contestant Laura William about the rumour -- and mysteriously, she had this to say:

“I can say nothing,” she laughed.

“Nothing!”

So what does he smell like?

“He smells like Richie,” was her diplomatic (and very telling) response.

We still don't buy this particular tidbit of gossip.

But if Richie wants to offer us a cuddle to prove it to us, we won't say no.

Click through to see an updated list of who's still in the running:

2016 Bachelorettes

Vintaea, 25, Massage Therapist, Queensland

Tolyna, 31, Personal Trainer, Victoria

Tiffany, 29, Training Administrator, Western Australia

Sasha, 31, Executive Assistant, Victoria

Rachael, 31, Support Worker, Western Australia

Olena, 23, Makeup Artist, NSW

Noni, 25, Swimwear Designer, Queensland

Nikki, 28, Real Estate Agent, Western Australia

Natalie, 27, Communications Officer, Western Australia

Mia, 24, Student/Former Athlete, NSW

Megan, 27, Health Promotions Officer, Western Australia

Laura, 24, Project Manager, Victoria

Kiki, 28, Personal Assistant, NSW

Keira, 29, Account Manager, NSW

Janey, 27, Children’s Entertainer, Queensland

Georgia, 24, Artist, Victoria

Faith, 26, Hairdresser, Queensland

Eliza, 31, Event Coordinator, NSW

Alex, 24, Venue Manager, Victoria

Aimee, 31, Business Development Manager, Victoria

Sophie, 28, Customer Support Manager, SA

Marja, 34, Yoga Instructor.

Feature photo: Instagram