As the Golden Bachelor airs, we’ve found ourselves deep in memories of the Bachelors that have been and gone on our screens over the years.
From the first-ever Bachelor Tim Robards, to the last failed attempt at the series, where three random men tried to capture our attention (and now, we only remember the name of one, Luke Bateman), we’ve seen so many beautiful, strange, and rogue storylines over the years when it comes to watching everyday Aussies finding love in a fairytale setting.
Remembering Blake Garvey…
One previous Bachie however really captured the attention of Australia when he did the unthinkable. Yes, we’re talking about Perth real estate agent Blake Garvey who infamously proposed to Sam Frost during the finale, only to swiftly backtrack and later start dating his second runner-up Louise Pillidge.
It was an absolute SCANDAL back in the time. We’re talking headlines across websites, newspapers, magazines.
Sam, of course, went on to become our first-ever Bachelorette and Australia’s sweetheart.
And Blake and Louise were heavily scrutinised and pummelled by the media in their 18-month relationship, before they eventually broke up.
But years later, I present you with maybe a shocking take.
We’ve had over a decade to let the dust settle, so it’s time to grow up and accept the truth.
Let’s be honest: Blake Garvey and Louise Pillidge’s breakup shoot was iconic
It was a lose-lose for these guys. People weren’t happy to see them together, and people weren’t happy to see them break up.
Most shockingly, however, was the way they announced their breakup: In a staged New Idea interview, the couple confirmed their split alongside some photos of them looking forlornly out to the ocean, as well as somewhat disparagingly towards each other.
However, looking back, is this perhaps the FUNNIEST thing they could possibly ever do?
I say yes.
They knew everyone hated the way things went down and that the wider public wasn’t supportive of Blake’s decision. They stuck it out for 18 months, Louise moving to WA to be with Blake, and they even went to couples counselling to try and get through it.
However, all goods things must come to an end and with the couple knowing their relationship would be headline news, good or bad, they did it on their own terms.
Sure, a photoshoot for a breakup isn’t exactly normal. I cannot even imagine a world in where I’d ask my ex to participate in a breakup photoshoot with me. The man didn’t even want a real photo with me in our supposed happy times. But I digress!
Assuming Blake and Louise were aware of the fact that people would comment on their relationship regardless, they sent it out in flames while probably cashing in a pretty sweet pay cheque.
Imagine being paid a small house deposit (well, back in 2016 anyway) just to announce your breakup?
A magazine insider tells Chattr: “For an exclusive shoot like that, mags were paying well into the tens of thousands. Louise and Blake were probably looking at at least $50,000 for that photoshoot, if not more.”
Looks like they got the last laugh after all.
BRB texting my ex to see if he wants to do a belated pho- never mind, he’s blocked me.
Where is Blake Garvey now?
So what happened to Blake Garvey? The man has pretty much dropped off the radar since his Bachie days, and look, who can blame him.
Blake appears to have Facebook and a (not very used) LinkedIn and isn’t easy to get ahold of these days, but is allegedly residing in WA and working in the real estate space.
Nine years ago Blake updated his Facebook during a trip to America, when a friend asked if he was ever coming back.
“Yep still here!” he wrote about his trip. “Sunny warm weather and total anonymity, why would I come back?!?”
Fair call, Blake, fair call.
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