One of this year’s most controversial Farmer Wants a Wife contestants has shared a major life update in the wake of Sunday night’s reunion episode.
Karli Hinkley divided fan opinion as she sought the affections of hunky pineapple farmer Bert, who ended up leaving the show solo, saying he did not “have what it takes to be in a relationship right now”.
Karli was determined in her tactical pursuit of Bert, at one point abruptly cutting off the end of his solo date with fellow contestant Brooke to present him with her own impromptu date.
Many viewers saw a palpable attraction between Bert and Karli and hoped they would end up together.
Others were not a fan of Karli and hoped Farmer Bert would choose someone else.
Two weeks ago, however, Bert sent his ladies home and made the difficult decision not to continue on the show.
Karli appeared devastated, but said she understood his decision.
“I want what’s best for him and this is what has to happen at this point in time,” she said at the time.
Now it’s been revealed that Karli has managed to find love with a farmer after all.
She hard-launched her new man, potato farmer Mitchell Gorman, on Instagram this week, and it seems she might have found “the one”.
Karli shared a series of loved-up photos of the happy-looking couple, describing her new man as the “love of my life”.
In one black and white photo they pose sharing drinks, while in another they sit in a barrel-shaped spa.
Gorman also introduced his new girlfriend on his own Instagram account.
So grateful I found you @karli_hinkley ❤️,” he wrote, adding the cheeky hashtag “no pineapples here” (in reference to Farmer Bert) and “life’s good”.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Gorman is a senior agronomist working in the “potato industry” specialising in “soil health, potato pathology, hydrology, logistics and environmental sustainability”.
Karli’s post announcing her new relationship drew a mixed response.
“Wait. What? Weren’t you publicly declaring your love for a pineapple dude a minute ago?” one person wrote.
“That didn’t take long after you were so in love with Bert,” wrote another.
“Someone’s determined to find a life partner … slow down woman,” wrote a third.
But others jumped to Karli’s defence, noting that it had been some time since filming of Farmer Wants A Wife had wrapped.
One viewer who had met Karli in person said she was “lovely” and couldn’t understand the negative comments.
“If you can’t plot love pineapples, then you must move on, right?” they wrote.
Others were simply pleased to hear that Karli had found happiness with her new boyfriend.
“Congratulations, hope you have a long and happy life together,” one person wrote.
“He is so handsome! Congratulations Karli,” wrote another.
“So happy for you beautiful girl,” added a third.
Gorman’s Instagram followers seemed equally pleased by the pairing.
“You guys look wonderful!” said one.
“Stunning couple,” noted another.
Karli dropped her own comment on his post.
“Life’s honestly the best with you, love you always,” she wrote.