Exclusive: Golden Bachelor favourite Jan speaks out after Bear 'rejects' her: 'Quite surprised'

EXCLUSIVE: Jan won the hearts of Australia when she arrived with champagne and a smile on The Golden Bachelor's first night.

But on Sunday night, her and Bear's journey was brought to an end as she did not receive a rose.

In an exclusive exit interview, Jan even surprised herself with her reaction.

You can see what Jan had to say in the video above.

Stream episodes of The Golden Bachelor for free on 9Now.

"The interesting thing about this whole process is that I have been vulnerable and I've been rejected, and I'm okay with it," Jan explained.

"I've been, I think, afraid of rejection, afraid of opening myself up to people, and I'm quite surprised at my reaction.

"It's been a great, great experience."

As well as building lifelong friendships, Jan was leaving the mansion with a lot of lessons thanks to her time with Bear.

"I think he has enabled me to open up and hopefully I will continue to do that and find relationships that I can be myself in," she shared following her exit.

EPISODE 7 RECAP: An awkward rivalry comes to a head during the cocktail party

"I've always believed that I will meet the love of my life, and obviously that will be in my golden years.

"So I've started the process. I've put myself out there, and my goal is to continue to do that, and eventually I will meet the love of my life who appreciates me for me."

Jan and Bear immediately hit things off at the show's arrivals, with Bear awarding Jan his first impression rose at the end of the first night.

However, Jan admitted she'd taken a back seat in the weeks since and was worried about their connection waning.

EXCLUSIVE: Gera reveals surprise struggle after 'disappointing' elimination

They were finally able to spend quality time alone following a group date at Sydney Opera House.

After a private viewing of ballet Sleeping Beauty, Jan was emotional about how special the day was to her.

"It's surreal, it's a date that I could never have dreamed of and for Bear to organise this, it takes my breath away," she said.

As Jan and Gera were sent packing in Episode 7, just three women remain in Bear's quest for love: Janette, Kim and Sunny.

Want more Golden Bachelor? Check out more of our exclusive exit interviews below:

The Golden Bachelor continues Sunday at 7pm and Monday at 7.30pm Channel 9 and 9Now.

Stream episodes of The Golden Bachelor for free on 9Now.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.