Bachelor couple Richie and Alex finally free to openly show affection

STRAIGHT out of hiding and into the limelight, Bachelor couple Richie Strahan and Alex Nation spent the weekend partying with lots of public displays of affection.

Bachelor Richie Strahan and Alex Nation openly showing their affection for each other after weeks of having to sneak around and hide it.

STRAIGHT out of hiding and into the limelight, Bachelor couple Richie Strahan and Alex Nation spent the weekend partying with lots of public displays of affection.

The controversial pair — who declared their love for each other on the reality series finale last week — were spotted kissing, hugging and holding hands as they bounced from one bar to the next in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Bachelor Strahan with Nation on their first big night out together in public since the final show aired.

“We’re just so happy that we can now finally share in our happiness with everyone and it’s not a big secret,” Nation told the Confidential on Nova radio show.

Strahan added: “We are in that beautiful honeymoon stage which we are hoping will last for a long time. The chemistry is electric. It feels good. I’m the luckiest guy in Australia.”

The couple shared their romance publicly. Picture: Anthony Licuria

Brooke Hogan and Alex were all smiles.

Richie couldn’t keep his hands off his leading lady. Picture: Anthony Licuria

Strahan was slammed on social media for choosing Nation over fan favourite Nikki Gogan.

Eyebrows have also been raised over the fact Strahan is yet to meet Nation’s young son, Elijah.

“Something like that doesn’t need to be rushed, Elijah is only five,” Nation said.

“We are very busy at the moment so we want to do that when things have settled down a little bit so we can really enjoy it for all that it is. We are not rushing that so it will happen in a few weeks time.”

PDA much? Richie and Alex pucker up.

Rope access technician Strahan, who appeared as a contestant on the last series of The Bachelorette starring Sam Frost, stands by his decision.

“I’ve done this twice now and for me, it is mission accomplished as I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful person,” he said.

Next up for the couple is a holiday, although they won’t say where they’re going.

And in news sure to please Nation, Strahan has vowed not to keep in touch with any of the other contestants on the show.

“It is just a respect thing to Alex. We are moving on to a new phase of our relationship and I really want to focus on that so there is no reason for me to call anyone else. It is never going to happen like that. My whole main focus has just been the relationship that I’m building with Alex.”