Sophie Monk and Stu Laundy’s relationship was hotly-contested from the moment it unfolded before viewers’ eyes on their television screens. And the suspicious timing of their split has doing nothing to quash accusations they remained together only to fulfil the obligations of a Network Ten contract.
“There were no contracts or pressure to stay together whatsoever from anyone and we remain friends,” Sophie said in her Instagram statement, confirming their bust-up.
But if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll note that the actress and reality television star confirmed her split from the millionaire publican exactly three months after they became ‘official.’ Not three months and one day, not three months and two days… exactly three months.
The Bachelorette finale aired on the 26th of October and their split was announced on January 26th.
Speaking with Daily Mail Australia, industry insiders revealed they were not surprised by the split. In fact, one such source called the timing a “big coincidence.”
It is awfully convenient…
In a statement to the publication, Network Ten denied claims of any sort of contractual obligation between the couples.
“The idea of a contractual obligation for winning Bachelor or Bachelorette contestants to remain coupled after the series has finished is both absolutely ridiculous and false,” a Network spokesperson said.
“While we hope that relationships formed on the show are lasting, that is sadly not always the reality.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time rumours of ‘love contracts’ have plagued the show — the timing of Sam Frost’s split with her Bachelorette winner Sasha Mielczarek was speculated to have come after an 18 month contract between the pair and Channel 10.
So, what do you think?
WATCH: Sophie and Stu’s romance played out in front of the nation. Post continues…
In an emotional Instagram post, Sophie confirmed her split with 44-year-old Stu.
The 38-year-old said she gave the relationship her “best shot” but it simply “didn’t work out.”
“I don’t know how to explain this because it’s an unusual circumstance to be in,” the post began. “But because I entered this relationship so publicly, I know I owe an answer to Australia about my personal life.”
“I went into this experience looking to settle down and start a family,” she continued. “I gave it the best shot I could and my intentions were everything I said I was looking for, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out.”
The Click star didn’t go into the specifics of why the relationship ended, but she did admit that she and Stu are very different people.
“As much as I respect him, we are just very different people,” she wrote in the early-morning post.
Managing to find a silver lining in her predicament, she added: “The positive in this whole experience is it taught me to jump out of my comfort zone in order to find real love and made me much stronger.”
Sophie ended the heartbreaking post with an apology to fans who followed the couple throughout their highly-publicised courtship.
“I sincerely want to apologise to anyone who invested so much love and support and I hope I haven’t disappointed anyone,” she said.
We wish the duo all the very best!
