'I'm not in love with Sophie': The Bachelorette 'winner' Stu Laundy's shocking revelation that he's 'not sure if he sees a future with the leading lady'
He's the bookies favourite to capture Sophie Monk's heart in
The Bachelorette finale.
But Stu Laundy isn't sure how strong his feelings for Sophie Monk are or if he can see the two sharing a future together.
In an interview with
OK! Magazine on Thursday the multi-millionaire said he was 'not in love with Sophie' and hadn't 'thought too far ahead' when it came to his relationship with the 37-year-old singer.
'Love is a tough topic': The Bachelorette 'winner' Stu Laundy shocking revelation that he DOESN'T love Sophie Monk
Will she get her dream? Stu Laundy isn't sure how strong his feelings for Sophie Monk are or if he can see the two sharing a future together
And, when probed on his true feelings, Stu told the publication: 'Love is a tough topic. I don't take love lightly.'
He also gave a resolute 'No' when asked if he would propose to Sophie.
Stu, who is still legally married to his ex wife Rachel with whom he shares four children,
also said he wouldn't be distraught if Sophie chose Jarrod Woodgate over him.
'Heartbreak is a strong word,' he said. 'I would say I'd be extremely disappointed.'
No proposal! Stu gave a resolute 'No' when asked if he would pop the question to Sophie
On Wednesday's episode Sophie and Stu shared an intimate date at Sydney's Aquarium and while it ultimately ended with a kiss between the pair, Stu had his guard up during a chat.
The publican appeared keen to settle down with Sophie early on in the date, commenting that he wanted to give her only the very best.
'I am a very protective guy and I like taking care of people. If Sophie would like, I'd nurture and look after her and take care of her for the rest of her life,' he said during the date where the pair got up close and personal with dugongs.
'Heartbreak is a strong word' Stu said he wouldn't be distraught if Sophie chose Jarrod Woodgate (left) over him
However, things took an awkward turn as the pair sat down for an intense conversation.
After previously hearing the bombshell that Stu is still technically married and has had a vasectomy, Sophie grilled the affluent businessman for more information on his personal life.
The former Bardot singer asked him about when exactly he planned to finalise his divorce but a hesitant Stu seemed to dart around the question.
'I think we've established a very firm friendship' Stu appeared to friendzone Sophie
Stuttering, he responded: 'Uh, very soon, hopefully. It's not... you know, that there's any chance there. But it's...it's not far away.'
Stu also avoided giving a definitive answer as to whether he thought Sophie was marriage material which made the blonde bombshell second-guess whether he was ready for commitment.
Making things worse, Stu then appeared to put Sophie in the friendzone, telling her: 'I think we've established a very...and don't get me wrong when I say this... a very firm friendship.'
Not marriage material? Stu also avoided giving Sophie a definitive answer as to whether he was ready for commitment
He continued: 'I'm not saying there's no romance there. I'm very affectionate with you.'
Despite his assurances that he saw her in a romantic light, Sophie was clearly taken aback.
She hit back: 'Are you friend-zoning me?', to which he replied: 'Not one bit.'
Though a question mark still lingers over whether Stu is in it for the long haul, Sophie was willing to keep him around for the finale.
Confusing! Sophie and Stu shared an intimate date at Sydney's Aquarium and while it ultimately ended with a kiss, Stu had his guard up during a chat about commitment
Instead, she teared up as she said goodbye to magician Apollo Jackson, leaving vineyard owner Jarrod Woodgate and Stu battling it out in the final two.
Sophie, a self-described 'massive bogan' who was once engaged to Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden and Stu, a member of one of the country's most powerful pub families, might seem like an odd pairing, but 'if they do get together they will be really good', a 'family friend' of the Laundys told Fairfax Media.
Down to the last two:Sophie teared up as she said goodbye to magician Apollo Jackson (right), leaving vineyard owner Jarrod Woodgate and Stu battling it out in the final two
reading this makes me want Jarrod to be her final choice more than ever! of course she's going to go with HER feelings - she really doesnt know theirs - but to me this reeks of Stu not being the winner and now propping up his ego to ensure he doesn't look like a loser