The Bachelorette’s Ali Oetjen: Everything you need to know

ALI Oetjen might be a surprise choice for this year’s Bachelorette, but she’s no stranger to being in love — she even has a failed engagement behind her.

SHE’S a surprise choice for this year’s season of The Bachelorette, her announcement leaving many viewers scratching their heads.

But Ali Oetjen is no stranger to reality television, having appeared on two seasons of The Bachelor franchise.

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The 31-year-old was also engaged for two years and was pictured wearing a diamond ring a month before filming began on Bachelor in Paradise.

Ali made her reality TV debut on the first season of The Bachelor in 2013, making it to the top three contestants.

Ali Oetjen is this year’s surprise Bachelorette. Picture: Supplied.

During her time on the series Ali earnt a reputation as a “stage five clinger” and famously tried to kiss Tim Robards during the first episode.

She also broke her leg during filming after swinging off a yacht and landing on a canoe during one date, an injury which resulted in two surgeries and a knee reconstruction.

Ali later said her time on The Bachelor had been a mixed one, but she wouldn’t trade the experience for anything else.

“It really does mess you around in the head,” Ali told Adelaide’s Mix 102.3’s Jodie & Soda in August last year.

Ali made her reality TV debut on The Bachelor. Picture: Supplied.

“Being in the house for about two to three months, not being able to speak to anyone else, your mind is completely focused just on this man.

“My advice would be to someone considering going on The Bachelor, make sure you’re in for a mental rollercoaster ... it’s not all fun and games.

After leaving The Bachelor solo, Ali began a relationship with Adelaide-based David Waldeck, the pair announcing their engagement in 2015.

Ali made it to the top three contestants of Tim Robards’ season, Picture: Supplied.

“When two souls are meant to be together nothing gets in the way of their love for each other, it’s already decided,” Ali wrote on Instagram at the time.

The couple’s engagement is believed to have ended sometime in 2017, however, it’s unclear why Ali and David parted ways.

Last pictured wearing a diamond ring on her engagement finger in October — just one month before filming BiP began — Ali has since deleted all evidence of her relationship with David from her social media.

The Bachelor's Ali Oetjen and Dave Waldeck celebrating their engagement. Picture: Supplied.

Returning to television on Bachelor in Paradise after a five year absence, viewers were quick to note Ali’s changed appearance.

Sporting a plumper pout and smoother face, Ali has since denied repeatedly having any cosmetic work done.

“I hadn’t even had Botox in my forehead before,’ Ali told HIT 105’s Stav, Abbey and Matt.

Instead she claimed the lack of movement in her face was down to her “not reacting to the girls’ comments’’on Bachelor in Paradise.

During her time in Fiji Ali paired up with American Grant Kemp, the couple quick to declare their love for each other.

However the blonde was visibly disappointed when Grant didn’t propose to her during the season finale, instead offering a commitment ring.

It’s since been revealed the couple has split, paving the way for Ali to become this year’s Bachelorette.

Ali Oetjen pictured as The Bachelorette in 2018. Picture: Supplied.

Ali Oetjen pictured on The Bachelor in 2013. Picture: Supplied.