The Bachelor EXCLUSIVE: How Irena Srbinovska risked her place in the competition by returning to work as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Irena Srbinovska is the odds-on favourite to win The Bachelor, but she risked losing her place in the competition earlier this year when production went into lockdown.
While the other contestants stayed at home chatting to Locky Gilbert via Zoom, the 31-year-old decided to return to work as a frontline nurse in Melbourne.
Irena’s decision was a significant one because she was told by producers that she wouldn’t be able to return to the mansion if she contracted coronavirus.
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Sacrifice: Irena Srbinovska is the odds-on favourite to win The Bachelor, but she risked losing her place in the competition earlier this year when production went into lockdown
Filming of The Bachelor was suspended in March due to the escalating pandemic, and the ‘Love in Lockdown’ episodes were filmed while the remaining women were self-isolating at home.
Irena, who works as an anaesthetic and recovery nurse, previously told New Idea she was ‘torn’ over her decision to continue with the show when her skills were needed.
‘My heart was torn – a part of me was selfishly devastated that the show was stopping, but then the other half of me was so eager to get back home and fight COVID,’ she told the magazine last month.
But a source close to Irena has since told Daily Mail Australia that her decision to put on scrubs again carried a significant risk.
Service: While the other contestants stayed at home chatting to Locky Gilbert via Zoom, the 31-year-old decided to return to work as a frontline nurse in Melbourne
‘She was told that if she went back to work and contracted COVID-19 then she wouldn’t be allowed to resume the show,’ the insider said.
‘It was a tough decision for her to make, but she felt guilty sitting around at home for a TV show when her co-workers were so busy.’
The source added that Irena said goodbye to Locky before returning to work, but their emotional farewell wasn’t aired on television.
Risk: Irena’s decision was a significant one because she was told by producers that she wouldn’t be able to return to the mansion if she contracted coronavirus
Goodbye… for now: Irena said goodbye to Locky Gilbert (pictured) before returning to work, but their emotional farewell wasn’t aired on television
‘Locky knew how important it was for Irena to go back to work, but he was also worried that she might not return to the show,’ they said.
‘What people don’t know is that Irena actually cut her annual leave short to resume working at the hospital – she’s very dedicated.’
Irena’s difficult decision to return to work has not once been mentioned during The Bachelor’s ‘Love in Lockdown’ episodes.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 for comment.
Cutting room floor: Irena’s difficult decision to return to work has not once been mentioned during The Bachelor’s ‘Love in Lockdown’ episodes
Irena is one of the rumoured finalists on The Bachelor, with Sportsbet and TAB both tipping her to win Locky’s heart.
Bella Varelis is widely believed to be the heartbroken runner-up.
The Bachelor continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10
Tune in: Irena is one of the rumoured finalists on The Bachelor, with Sportsbet and TAB both tipping her to win Locky’s heart. Bella Varelis (left) is widely believed to be the runner-up