Darcy’s surprised that Ty seems worried. ‘They’re just going to ask you the questions we’ve already been through. They know they have to stick to the script. And I’ve got the cue cards ready if you can’t remember what you’re supposed to say.’

Ty gives a little nod as the makeup artist from Good Morning applies some more powder to his sweaty face. She’d hate to see what her own face looks like. Even though she knows she did the right thing in breaking up with Drew, she’d spent most of the night crying, mourning the ten years they spent together. She’d layered her face with foundation and drowned her eyes with drops, but she imagines she’s not hiding her swollen face or her red eyes from anyone.

‘Okay, Ty, we’re ready for you now.’ A floor manager wearing a large headset approaches. She guides him over to the lounges where Kiel and Janine, the breakfast hosts, are already sitting. Darcy hears the floor manager give some quick introductions and instructs Ty where to sit.

A sound guy hovering nearby adjusts Ty’s microphone. Darcy moves next to the cameraman where she was told she’d be able to stand and hold up the cue cards. Before there’s a chance for Darcy to give Ty any encouragement, the floor manager calls across the studio floor, ‘And we’re live in three, two, one …’ She gestures to Kiel and Janine.

‘Janine is very excited about our next guest,’ Kiel says, looking down the barrel of one of the cameras. ‘We all know she’s a sucker for all things romance and she’s a big fan of the latest season of The One. That’s right, folks, we have the star of the show, Ty Peterson, joining us on the lounge this morning.’ Kiel moves to face Ty. ‘Welcome, Ty.’

‘Thanks for having me.’

It’s obvious to Darcy that he’s nervous, which surprises her, because he’s become quite natural on the set of The One.

‘So, Ty, you’re down to the final three.’ Janine smiles. ‘You’ve just been on hometown dates, but how have you found the journey to find love so far?’

Darcy and Ty went over this question; the cue card is ready for him. Darcy had insisted there was to be no specific mention of Bonnie’s exit.

But Kiel decides to add an extra comment. ‘Dating twenty-two women at once can’t be all that bad?’ He laughs, amused with himself.

Janine smiles through her teeth, clearly used to her co-worker going off script.

‘It’s been harder than I thought it would be,’ Ty says. ‘There’s been so many great women and it’s hard sending them home when they’ve put their lives on hold to meet me.’

Darcy changes cue cards, ready for the next question.