Ellie Rolfe, the former partner of rugby league star Luke Bateman, has launched a scathing critique of his recent casting on the upcoming season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! The 31-year-old, who won Bateman's heart during the 2023 season of The Bachelor, has taken to social media and podcasts to express her dismay and share troubling insights about their short-lived relationship.
Public Criticism on Social Media
In a series of Instagram posts this week, Rolfe did not hold back her feelings about Bateman's new television venture. She began with a pointed question about the celebrity status of the show's 2026 cast, stating, 'First, I mean are any of them really celebrities?' Directly addressing Bateman's involvement, she remarked, 'I'm okay. It is a little triggering who they give airtime to, but I know by now entertainment value will ALWAYS outweigh red flags.'
Rolfe emphasised the curated nature of reality television personas, warning her followers, 'Don't believe everything you see on TV and on social media.' She elaborated, 'People can curate a whole identity for their personal gain or ego. You don't know anyone until you've been in some sort of relationship with them.' Her message was clear: media figures should not be placed on pedestals, as their public image may not reflect reality.
Revelations on the Seriously Podcast
During a recent appearance on the Seriously podcast, Rolfe provided deeper context about her relationship with Bateman. With the benefit of hindsight, she described feeling like a 'project' for him, alleging that he employed 'love bombing' tactics to win her affection. She recalled intense declarations from their very first date, saying, 'First date – boom: "I'm going to marry you." And it only got more intense from there. I think I was very naive.'
Rolfe questioned the authenticity of such rapid commitments, asking, 'How can you determine that? How can you be so sure of something like a commitment that large without knowing anything about me?' She explained that Bateman would 'weasel their way in by saying all the right things and getting to know all the most vulnerable things about you so early on.'
The Aftermath of the Bachelor Bubble
According to Rolfe, while filming The Bachelor, everything seemed 'fine and dandy,' but the relationship deteriorated once the cameras stopped rolling. She stated, 'It wasn't until after that I really started to see some traits that were quite alarming. I guess you just kind of get in too deep.' She characterised the dynamic as 'a little bit like emotional manipulation,' which created a 'trauma bond' due to the intensity of their early connection.
Rolfe reflected, 'You got so close so quickly, had such intense experiences together and the bad and controlling and scary things that happen – you're still really holding on to the fairytale version.' Although she did not provide specific details about these alleged behaviours, her warnings were unequivocal.
A Cautionary Tale for Reality TV Viewers
Rolfe issued a stark warning to fans of reality television, particularly dating shows. She asserted, 'I think it's really important for girls who watch reality TV, especially dating shows – it's not reality.' She stressed that participants can present themselves in any manner they choose, and true character is only revealed through genuine relationship experiences. 'You just don't know what someone is really like until you've been in a relationship with them. It's really important to not fantasise,' she advised.
The End of the Relationship
Luke Bateman confirmed the end of his relationship with Ellie Rolfe in March 2024, merely four months after their appearance as the sole remaining couple on The Bachelor finale. In a statement released to Yahoo Lifestyle, Bateman said, 'Ellie and I have separated and would like to keep our relationship private. Ellie has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.'
The announcement followed weeks of speculation among Bachelor fans, during which Bateman removed all traces of Rolfe from his social media profiles. As Bateman prepares for his debut on I'm A Celebrity, these revelations from his ex-partner cast a shadow over his public image, highlighting the complex and often contentious interplay between reality television, personal relationships, and public perception.
