We said goodbye to Ash Lawson on last night’s episode of The Bachelor Australia, and, well, I think it’s safe to say we didn’t get to see that much of her. In Ash’s own words, she copped the “friend zone” edit when she believes her connection with Jimmy was the exact opposite.
PEDESTRIAN.TV spoke to Ash about her time on the show and how “frustrating” it was to watch Brooke Cleal get a rose over her after that whole compatibility mess.
PEDESTRIAN.TV: So, you mentioned you want to share your side of the story. Go ahead!
Ash Lawson: Yep, so obviously I feel like I definitely got the friend zone edit this year, and there was so much of a connection between Jimmy and I – obviously, getting to the top six. There must have been. People saw me getting first roses here and there, but they never saw the chats. There was a lot more happening behind the scenes, you know? Even our kisses, they cut out – all of that. So, I definitely felt like I had a connection with Jimmy, whether it got stronger too late towards the end – either way, I definitely did. And I was disappointed that I didn’t get a rose to go to hometowns.
PTV: So were you surprised you didn’t get a rose in last night’s episode?
AL: I knew when Brooke came back that I feel like – yeah, we were pushed to the back of the line in that sense. I definitely think that if she hadn’t been there, I would’ve gone to hometowns, just because of the connection I had with Jimmy.
PTV: It sucks that we didn’t get see more of your time with Jimmy because it sounds you really had a connection with him.
AL: Yeah, people thought we didn’t have chemistry. But there was kissing and hugging and all of that affectionate touching. During our one-on-one, we definitely got closer through our conversation where you only saw a little snippet. And at every cocktail party when there was drama, I was actually talking to Jimmy. So I had uninterrupted time with him, because the girls were dealing with drama and I was like, ‘This is great for me!’
So I was really focused on me and Jimmy and not being involved in the drama in that sense.
PTV: Did you think Brooke was going to come back?
AL: Yeah, I originally didn’t think she would. She was away for a long time, and then lo and behold: she came back [laughs].
PTV: What was the mood like that night?
AL: Oh, I think everyone was on edge. I feel like the line just got pushed back and she was at the front because she’s not going to be sent home a week later after coming back, you know? So, I thought, “She’s going to be here for a long time.”
PTV: Did you watch last night’s episode?
AL: I did, yes.
PTV: What did you think about Brooke’s dilemma?
AL: It wasn’t shown, but I was disappointed that I didn’t get to go to hometowns, knowing how much Brooke wasn’t compatible long-term. I think that was the most frustrating thing for me, but that was up to Jimmy to decide, at the end of day.
PTV: Was there much said about Brooke’s compatibility with Jimmy, apart from what we saw in last night’s episode?
AL: Yeah, I think we all knew – even around the mansion – we knew what she was like and she voiced that. She was very open about that to all of us girls so, you know, there was chat like, “Why is she here?” Why would you stay if you know long-term you’re not compatible? But I guess the heart wants what it wants. I wasn’t going to say anything to Jimmy because I just wanted to focus on how we were. But it was frustrating to watch.
The Bachelor Australia airs 7.30pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays on Channel 10.
