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EXCLUSIVE: The Bachelorette's Ryan clarifies his controversial relationship requirements.

Let’s go out on a limb and say precisely no one was surprised by Ryan’s dramatic exit on last night’s episode of The Bachelorette.

Like Keira, Sam (yes, the model) and Rhys before him, the mid-date dump is a tried and tested Bachelor technique.

After somehow ending up on the unfortunate topic of how Sophie “wasn’t worth it”, the ‘construction foreman’ from NSW was told in no uncertain terms to, well, eff off.

LISTEN: Love The Bachelorette? You need to listen to our recap podcast, Bach Chat. (Post continues…)

But as we know, nothing in the world of reality TV is as it seems, which is why we asked Ryan for ~his side~ of the story. Cue dramatic music.

“I knew what went on and I knew the conversation we’d had, and you know what, it was two adults talking and being honest with each other,” the 26-year-old told Mamamia on what led to his ‘tension fuelled’ exit from the show.

He continued: “We just thought it was best for me to go home because we didn’t have much time and that’s something I was really struggling with over the four weeks. Collectively, I spent four or five hours with her, and I can only talk from my experiences but for me that’s not enough. I didn’t know her yet, and I was just letting her know that’s the reason I was feeling the way I was feeling.

“By all means, Sophie is an amazing character and a lovely lady, I really hope she finds the happiness she’s looking for.

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“It’s not that she wasn’t “worth it”, I certainly didn’t mean she wasn’t ‘up to scratch’ or ‘worthy’, but for me the be-all and end-all was I needed more time.”

As for the slice of pure editing genius that was his expletive-filled storm out of frame, Ryan was certainly able to appreciate the perfect irony of a man who ‘prefers women that don’t have a potty-mouth’ only doing just that – dropping a bunch of F-bombs – on his exit.

“It fit the narrative perfectly, you have to have a bit of a laugh with it,” he said.

On the topic of women and swearing, he added: “I think there’s a time and a place for it, it’s certainly not directed at women or men specifically, but we live in a free country and I can have those opinions.”

Following Ryan’s short-lived stay in the mansion, he will probably be remembered as the one who wants a woman who takes care of herself.

While the phrase most likely had women all over Australia rolling their eyes, Ryan stands by his comments, nay, requirements for a surprisingly sentimental reason.

Us too, Soph. (Image: Ten)
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"I left home quite young at 16 so my grandparents said 'would you like to come and stay with us?', he recalled.

"I was young and starting out my apprenticeship and one fond memory I have was waking up every morning and seeing my Nan ironing my dirty work clothes. I was a kid, going out to a job site to get all dirty again, so I said, 'Nan you don't have to do that, I'm just going to get all crinkled again'.

"She said, 'Son, you never know who you're going to meet and you've always got to look respectful and take pride in your appearance'. That's something that's stuck with me, it's just taking pride in your appearance, that's what I was getting at when I was talking to Sophie. Obviously it came out a little differently."

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Because we're a fair and reasonable publication, we also asked Ryan if, given his time again, he'd like to add to his rather brief list of things he's looking for in a woman. You know, honest or loyalty perhaps? Someone who is intelligent? Funny? Really, really likes dogs?

"It's hard for me to pin-point the type of woman I look for.

"I could walk out of this hallway and bump into someone and hit it off with them without knowing anything about them. It's just chemistry, that's what I keep an eye out."

Given a cold hard $50, Ryan would put it on everyone's favourite closet millionaire, Stu Landry, accompanied in the top three by 'George Clooney' Luke, and our collective favourite, James.

Oh, and P.S: About that semi non-consensual kiss that had the entire nation cringing? Yes, it was without a doubt just as awkward for Ryan as it was for us watching.

"I guess you could say I got knocked back - it's not the first time it's happened and I'm sure it won't be the last."

Cheers to that.

Do you think it's reasonable to demand your partner 'takes care' of their appearance?