EXCLUSIVE: Alex Nation's ex talks about her new relationship with Richie

Alex Nation won Richie Strahan's heart on The Bachelor Thursday night.

Since the show's finale, many hearts have been breaking around Australia for the show's runner-up, Nikki Gogan. People have also been curious about a man that wasn't on the show - Alex's ex-boyfriend, Tom Barbour.

Earlier this week there were reports that Alex had broken up with Tom just to go on the reality TV show in September last year. But Tom soon squashed those rumours, saying that he and Alex were still great friends.

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Since finding out that Alex won The Bachelor and is in a new relationship with Richie, Tom spoke to Be about how he felt now.

"I'm proud of Alex. For what she has achieved," he said.

"I wish her nothing but happiness, both on her new adventure in life and with Richie."

Tom, who was left in a wheelchair following a serious accident when he was 18, previously told Woman's Day the former couple called time on their relationship after realising how different their priorities were.

“I am still studying and that is my main focus and often I would get so immersed in my studies that I would have no time for both Alex and her little boy which was not fair,” Tom added referring to Alex's son Elijah from a previous relationship.

He also claimed that he was the one to call off their relationship, unlike the reports suggesting Alex had been the one to end it.

On Monday, a representative for Alex told Be that claims the single mother ended her relationship with Tom specifically to go on The Bachelor and made a deal with producers to guarantee herself a top five spot were unfounded.

“The claims made by an “insider” in New Idea on Monday, September 12 regarding Alex Nation and her past relationship with Tom Barbour are defamatory, completely false and misleading. Alex and Tom’s relationship ended amicably in September, 2015, with both parties agreeing it is best for them to part ways," the rep said.

"Claims suggesting anything else are incredibly hurtful to both Alex and Tom, who remain on good terms. Tom is now overseas on a scholarship to study, and not overseas to escape Alex as suggested by New Idea.”

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