When Nikki Gogan had her heart broken by Richie Strahan on the finale of The Bachelor, the hearts of Australians broke with her.

It’s doubtful Australian reality television has ever produced someone so universally loved as the 28-year-old real estate agent from Northam, Western Australia.

Strahan’s decision to choose 25-year-old mother Alex Nation over Gogan prompted mass outrage from fans and celebrities alike.

Gogan admitted to Elle magazine her heart had been “smashed” by Strahan’s rejection.

“I am nowhere near being ready to date again,” Gogan told The Daily Telegraph.

“You saw me fall head over heels and I was that, but I need to remember I’m not the first and I won’t be the last person to fall in love with someone who won’t love me back.”

It was a swift ascent to fame for Gogan, who has spent most of her life in the one town with a population of less than 7000 people.

Gogan has returned to life as normal since filming ended for the Network Ten show, heading back to her job as a sales representative for Hollett and Lawrance First National, where she’s worked since 2006.

“If I’m not in the office, you’ll find me walking my dog Pippa along the Avon River or spending time with my family, friends and cat Penny,” Gogan’s work profile reads.

Nikki was devastated after Richie rejected her on national television. Photo: Network Ten

After the frenzy surrounding Thursday night’s finale, Gogan is lying low – her mobile phone was switched off and her social media accounts remain firmly switched to private mode.

This is presumably to escape the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being jilted.

Since Gogan first stepped into the public eye, two ex-boyfriends have come forward to share details of her past.

Gogan was open about her long, very serious prior relationship during the series.

“It was a long one. We were together for 12-and-a-half years and we split up about a year ago,” she told Strahan.

“We, um, were engaged. But I knew that it wasn’t going to be forever. So we split up about six months before the wedding.”

Gogan with ex-fiance Tim Verlinden. Photo: Facebook

However, Gogan’s former fiance Tim Verlinden was not happy with Gogan’s claims she didn’t get special treatment during their time together.

“In my previous relationship, I didn’t get told that I was beautiful and I didn’t get told that, you know, ‘Oh, you look really nice,’ or ‘You look gorgeous today’,” Nikki said.

“Obviously she’s taken a big liking to the limelight,” Verlinden told New Idea.

“I took her around the world. I gave her a $28,000 ring and a car.”

Another ex-boyfriend also came forward, seemingly blindsided by his split with Gogan just months before Bachelor filming commenced.

“I thought things were going to be progressing,” electrician Scott Van den Bosch told Confidential, revealing that he even introduced Gogan to his parents last September.

“I never considered this to be a serious relationship and we parted amicably,” Gogan told Confidential.

Gogan (left) with her sister Dani. Photo: Instagram

Regardless, the jilted blonde’s loved ones insist she’s the down-to-earth romantic she appears to be on television.

“To be honest I did think she would win,” fellow contestant and friend Sophie Edwards said.

“[She] is an incredibly strong and classy woman and she is taking time to focus on herself and I really admire her for that.”

Gogan’s sister Dani was also shocked.

“How could he not love her?! Your passion and love for life is infectious, you make us so very proud Nikki Noo,” she posted on Instagram.

Meanwhile, her cousin Dee thanked viewers for their outpouring of support.

“I don’t need to tell you how wonderful [Nikki] is, you guys have got to witness that for yourselves,” she posted to Instagram, adding that Nikki was holding up.

“She is ok. There are great things waiting in this world for such a wonderful human being (which doesn’t include a Bachelorette gig!).”

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Since The Bachelor wrapped, Gogan has focused on giving back to her small community, holding a Bachelor-themed fundraiser for a friend’s son last month.

“Walt is the most beautiful little boy,” Gogan told The West Australian.

“He has cerebral palsy … It’s likely that he won’t speak, he has limited sight and he probably won’t ever walk.”

“This is what living in a small town is all about; everyone gets on board and supports each other.”

Gogan needs time to recover from her time on TV before she considers becoming the next Bachelorette. Photo: Network Ten

Despite numerous calls for Gogan to be the next Bachelorette, she has dismissed the idea – for now.

“I am not ready to open my heart completely again,” she told The Daily Telegraph.

“To go on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette you would have to be happy with where you are at and ready to open your heart again and I am not ready to do that.”