After having most of Australia watch his heart being broken into a million tiny, little pieces, Jarrod Woodgate is ready to talk.
Within moments of the show going to air – and Sophie and Stu declaring their undying love for one another – the 31-year-old vineyard manager shared a heartfelt message with his fans on Instagram.
“Coming into this I never thought I’d have the opportunity to get to know such a warm hearted, down to earth, hilarious woman let alone fall in love with her,” he wrote, describing his time on the show – and with Sophie – as the “most challenging and exciting” in his life so far.
“Through all the highs & lows all I wanted was to be true to myself. Falling in love is such an incredible experience & really is the best feeling in the world.
“My heart will heal & I wouldn’t change a single moment.”
Jarrod – who said he would “still always love Sophie” despite not winning her love – also had a message for the Bachelorette herself.
“Sophie, thank you. You’ve helped me to learn so much about myself,” he wrote.
“Opening up to you & sharing my feelings just felt so natural from our first encounter. I wish you all the happiness in the world, you deserve nothing but love & laughter in your life.”
Jarrod’s message was met with support with fans, who praised the 31-year-old for staying true to himself and his feelings all season, despite being labelled a “stage-five clinger” by some.
“The nicest guy on the bachelor and bachelorette shows ever, so real and genuine,” one fan wrote.
“[There are] not many men out there like you… wish you all the love and happiness in your future with someone special.”
“It can’t have been easy receiving the worst dreaded news but thats life and he handled it with so much maturity and integrity but most of all stayed true to himself,” another wrote.
Fans even started a hashtag in Jarrod’s honour, urging others to “#PutYourPlantsOutForJarrod” in a show of solidarity.
Pot plant is out for Jarrod #potplantsoutforjarrod #BacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/18G48V4pC2
— Adam Monaghan (@MrAdamMonaghan) October 26, 2017
#potplantsoutforjarrod ???? pic.twitter.com/tZq5A70uIe
— Bre ♡ (@miss_breelee) October 26, 2017
There are a few broken hearts in this house. #PutYourPlantsOutForJarrod #TheBacheloretteAU pic.twitter.com/yEt9Cs3KcN
— Charlotte Willis (@lottiewillis) October 26, 2017
Here’s hoping that Jarrod’s life can only go onwards and upwards from here.
LISTEN: Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald discuss the heart wrenching finale on the last episode of Bach Chat.