THE Bachelorette’s resident silver fox Luke McLeod has confirmed he dated Bachelor winner Laura Byrne before she was given the final rose by Matty J.

McLeod, who has been pegged by viewers as one of the early frontrunners for Sophie Monk’s heart, said he was in a relationship with the jewellery designer after the end of a previous 10-year relationship.

“We did date for a couple of months, I swear to God it was a complete coincidence,” he told Confidential of the pair both ending up on reality shows.

“She’s an amazing woman, we met through mutual friends, we dated for a couple of months and realised we were better off being really good friends and that’s where things are at now. She’s been so supportive of my journey and what I’m going through and she’s gone through something so similar.

McLeod said he “couldn’t believe it” when he saw Laura on an ad for The Bachelor.

“I thought ‘what is going on here’. There was no hesitation in reaching out (to her) and I said ‘wow, I wish you all the best’ and it obviously did work out amazing for her, she met an incredible guy. She’s given me some advice and been incredibly supportive of me finding the same type of person.”

A host of viewers have already taken to social media to declare Luke as being the winner.

“It’s a big compliment,” he said. “It is very flattering and I’m really thankful for everyone getting behind me so far because I was really nervous about this whole thing.”