Bachelorette Brooke spills on ‘unspoken’ relationship with returning contestant

The wait is almost over for season seven of The Bachelorette to premiere, which is set to smash boundaries and make history with Brooke Blurton simultaneously becoming the series’ first Indigenous and bisexual lead.

Both men and women will be vying for the Bachelorette’s affections this year, although one participant may already have the upper hand due to an existing connection with the 26-year-old.

In what will undoubtedly be incredible TV, Jamie-Lee Dayz, a contestant from the Honey Badger’s season of The Bachelor alongside Brooke, will be returning to the mansion to try and win Brooke’s heart.

Following weeks of speculation over the pair’s relationship and whether or not they dated after meeting on the show in 2018, Brooke has spoken with Yahoo Lifestyle to clear up the rumours.

“I think Jamie-Lee and I’s relationship outside the Bachelor experience was definitely unspoken,” she reveals.

RELATED:

• Bachelorette Brooke Blurton smitten by ‘Persian Prince’ in latest teaser

• Bachelor Jimmy left a secret note for Brooke Blurton in the Bach pad

• Bachelorette's Angie Kent wishes she had female suitors: 'Stitch up'

“You kind of have to wait to see how it all plays out, but I feel like when we were on the Honey Badger’s season our priorities were so different. We were there for Nick and both of us wanted to be genuine in that connection.

“It kind of never really played out in the outside world, but I think in the years that we had known each other, there was always a connection.”

Speaking about the moment she saw Jamie-Lee arriving on the red carpet, Brooke says it was “really lovely”.

“It was such a surprise,” she admits. “I didn’t expect it, but it was kind of a nice feeling of familiarity and knowing that you have a connection with someone already”.

Shortly after she was officially announced as a contestant this year, Jamie-Lee took to Instagram to explain why she decided to return to the experience.

“When I found out Brooke was the next Bachelorette, I knew it was now or never,” she wrote. “I strongly believe things happen for a reason and I feel like this timing has been nothing short of fate.

As the show features both male and female participants this year, Brooke - who says she is “absolutely” in love - acknowledges that it’s no surprise people have been predicting there could be more than one love story played out on-screen.

“I think I stayed open-minded about that being a possibility,” she details.

“It’s inevitable to happen, but I feel like it would be hypocritical of me to stop a connection from happening because love is love. It'd be obviously disheartening if you had a very strong connection with either of those people, but I think you kind of just have to ride the wave.”

The dynamic between the contestants is one of the many changes viewers will bear witness to, including the fact that they will be living “separately” in two different mansions.

“This whole season is run completely differently, having both males and females,” Brooke says.

“I think the show will be reverted back to its core which is about finding love, and there will be drama obviously, but I think the whole purpose of the show is finding my person and I'm hoping that kind of reverts back to the wholesomeness of it.”

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.