The only thing juicier than watching people's spirits get crushed on national television is reading the heartfelt essay that follows.
Bachelorette viewers were left reeling on Wednesday evening after fan-favourite and resident 'nice guy' James Trethewie was sent packing.
The financial advisor has since penned an emotional tribute to Sophie Monk on his Instagram account, saying his shock exit has left him "broken". The essay spanned not just one, but two Instagram posts.
"Soph, I'm so incredibly grateful to have met you, for the experiences and feelings we shared," he wrote. "I honestly thought and could see myself standing there with you at the end. It was a shock for me to leave tonight. I know the feelings and chemistry were real and watching it back on TV just re-confirms this for me."
Trethewie said while it was a "shame" he and Monk ended up just friends, he is incredibly grateful for the time they did manage to spend together.
"I'm also sorry if I let anyone down," he said. "The thing I'm proud of most is going on here and being 100 per cent myself, genuine and authentic. Showing you can be a 'manly man' ... but at the same time still have respect for women and allow them to be empowered and to be themselves without needing to be controlling. It's also okay as a guy to show some emotion from time to time."
The frank essay has sent fans of the Network 10 show into a frenzy, with speculation rife the reality TV contestant could be positioning himself to be the next Matty J. The Sydney-based marketer made a television comeback earlier this year after he was rejected by 2016 bachelorette Georgia Love.
Trethewie isn't ruling out another shot at love on national TV, whether it be on his own season of The Bachelor or Ten's upcoming Bachelor in Paradise spinoff (set to air in 2018).
