Zac Franich says he sought professional help after filming for The Bachelor NZ wrapped, and was "heartbroken" to let Claudia go.
In an interview with The AM Show on Friday, the 28-year-old Surf Life Saving coach from the Hibiscus Coast said developing feelings for multiple women over a number of weeks meant he needed therapy when the production ended.
"One of the hard parts was the emotional toll on me after filming finished," says Zac.
"You have to unpack all these feelings around all these girls. I sought help from professionals afterwards, which helped me get through."
Zac spoke to Art Green, the 2015 Bachelor who is still with his final rose receiver, Matilda Rice.
"It was nice to talk to somebody who had been in my shoes and he talked me through stuff," said Zac.
"Art and I had similar feelings around... ending all these other relationships and putting all your energy into one."
Zac also explained why he didn't give a distraught Claudia a reason for why he booted her off the show.
"That was really tough. My heart was breaking then," he said. "It was difficult to get anything out. My head was a mess, I was just trying to hold it together. I can understand her wanting me to tell her more, but I just couldn't."
While last year's Bachelor Jordan Mauger recently confessed deciding his winner with a coin-flip, Zac says he has done no such thing.
"I absolutely promise you, I did not flip a coin," he stated.
The season finale of The Bachelor NZ screens on Three this Sunday night at 7pm.
Newshub.
