When we were first introduced to Ali Oetjen’s suitors on this year’sTheBachelorette, we had two thoughts.

The first – can Paddy please stop shouting “fit as f*ck” into the sky, and the second – uh, it’s clear who’s going to win.

Yes – weallthought it would be 31-year-old builder Charlie Newling. He seemed her type to a tee, and by all accounts on day one, seemed like the perfect gentleman.

But as the episodes rolled on, and we got to know Charlie better, we realised just how wrong we were.

From his aggression towards the other contestants (especially Bill) and tendency to startfights, to his somewhat controlling nature with Ali, fans shared one opinion:

Charlie needs to go. Now.

Hold on why is Charlie still here someone tell me please #TheBacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/RvPRK1MnZJ

— s (@peachesnshmoney) November 7, 2018

Just last week, a problematic comment about Ali “spreading herself too thin” had Twitter fuming – calling it “slut-shaming” and suggesting he has “white knight syndrome” – the compulsive need to be the rescuer in an intimate relationship.

#TheBacheloretteAU Charlie is the type of guy who, on a date at a restaurant would yell at a male waiter simply for asking what the female wanted to order pic.twitter.com/QbQK8zIKxE

— Mary Wahna (@VioletAKANibblz) November 1, 2018

Charlie is such a sexist …. I really dislike him. Agree with Todd; what gives him the right to speak on behalf of how she should act? #TheBacheloretteAU

— Kim (@kimberrlily) October 31, 2018

With Charlie, the white knight syndrome is real #TheBacheloretteAU

— Steph Andrews (@sometimeseasame) November 7, 2018

My thoughts on Charlie:

1. STAGE FIVE CLINGER 2. MANIPULATIVE 3. CONTROL FREAK 4. PROBABLY THE KIND OF BLOKE WHOSE FAVOURITE PASSTIME IS KING HITTING OTHER BLOKES AT THE PUB.

RUN FOR THE HILLS ALI ????????‍♀️ #TheBacheloretteAU

— MLB (@MattLB13) October 31, 2018

Their opinion of Charlie couldn’t have backflipped harder from that first night, and everyone wondered just how Ali was seemingly blind to it all.

Amidst it all – the frontrunner confirmed to NW magazine that he has a son, information that was not conveyed to Ali at any point during the show’s filming, despite telling her he was interested in having children.

“I chose not to speak publicly about my child as I wanted to ensure their privacy was protected,” he told the magazine.

On tonight’s episode, Charlie’s “knight in shining armour” illusion finally shattered for Ali in a heated argument between the two, resulting in Charlie leaving the mansion before the rose ceremony.

Why?

Well, after cancelling plans to meet his family, he essentially tried to force Ali into telling him how she feels, while refusing to disclose his own feelings.

Which is… not how the show works.

“Knowing that there are other people involved kills me, it eats me up,” he said.

“Until I know we’re exclusive… I’m not going to say those words.

“Like your mother said to you, don’t just say it Ali,” he added, infuriating Ali who told the camera, “He’s trying to tell me how I feel.”

“You can’t help but not have control,” Ali rebutted when she confronted him back at the mansion, before finally showing him the door.

“Leave. Take care. Know that I’ll be thinking of you, bye.”

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Charlie’s alarming behaviour:

Ummm, did Charlie know what this show was? #TheBacheloretteAU

— Tash (@jouljet) November 8, 2018

Seriously – I am actually having a pretty visceral, emotional reaction to this. I know that seems bizarre, but honestly, watching this is a little triggering re: a past abusive relationship. I wonder if any other women are reacting the same? #TheBacheloretteAU

— Rosie Waterland (@RosieWaterland) November 8, 2018

Omfg HE DOESNT GET TO MAKE THE RULES #TheBacheloretteAU

— edie (@EdieDarliing) November 8, 2018

It sounds like Charlie hasnt seen this show before and isnt aware of the whole idea of the show #thebacheloretteau

— Georgina (@GeorginaL_97) November 8, 2018

Charlie strikes me as the kind of dude who would surreptitiously go through his girlfriend’s phone and delete messages he doesn’t want her to see #TheBacheloretteAU

— Susie Byers (@Susie_Byers) November 8, 2018

GET OUT CHARLIE. RIGHT NOW. ITS THE END OF YOU AND ALI. #TheBacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/eT6yTsQtpm

— Amanda (@FlossyAmanda) November 8, 2018

Aaaaand Charlie has been put into top mansplaining gear #thebacheloretteau

— Jake Callahan (@jkyboitheweapon) November 8, 2018

Emotional manipulator 101 #TheBacheloretteAU

— Hugo Girl Boss ???? (@Mazzy_73) November 8, 2018

Ladies and gents, we’re safe now. #thebacheloretteau

— Hillary Jo (@Hirurari) November 8, 2018

Signs up for dating show competing with other blokes.

Now has an issue with competing with other blokes.

Charlie pls. #TheBacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/ZyxyoZ744q

— Lauren Wood (@LaurenHeraldSun) November 8, 2018

When Ally boots Charlie #TheBacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/xcK0aue8np

— Lauren (@LWaddl3s) November 8, 2018

Charlie to be seen next on Australias Most Wanted #TheBacheloretteAU

— Laugh’n’ahalf (@ahalf_n) November 8, 2018

Petition for the definition of Gaslighting to be changed to Charlie #BacheloretteAU

— Jemma (@Jemz_207) November 8, 2018

Ali saw straight away what we have all been seeing. Charlie’s possessive need of control and boy was she not having it. #BacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/poseucQr4b

— charmayne (@charrrrrrm) November 8, 2018

Actual footage of Australia celebrating in their lounge rooms over Charlie leaving.. #BacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/RJ6b1VzPJs

— AMY ⭐️ (@amyjane_76) November 8, 2018

Ali to Charlie: THANK YOU, NEXT #BacheloretteAU

— Claire Boland (@ClaireLBoland) November 8, 2018