In a twist set to rock The Bachelorette fans, New Idea can exclusively reveal the pretty blonde had previously found the man of her dreams ahead of filming - Melbourne entrepreneur Simon Potts.
While the relationship ended before filming commenced in June, according to a friend, Sophie begged him to join the other contestants vying for her heart.
Meeting earlier this year at the Crown Casino through a mutual friend - former AFL play Wayne Carey - the chemistry between the pair was instantaneous.
'Sophie took one look at Simon, walked over, sat on his knee and introduced herself,' a friend spills.
'Then she grabbed his phone and put her number in, insisting he take her on a date.'
Blown away by her confidence and having no idea she had signed up to be Australia'a first celebrity Bachelorette, Simon called the following day and took the reality star out.
Confiding in friends that she didn't want to let him go because she truly saw a future with the handsome Melbourne businessman, Sophie admitted she was torn.
'He had a lot of qualities she liked and was very attracted to him. Also because he wasn't in the industry, it seemed even more perfect,' the insider explains. 'She knew there were a whole heap of guys ready to meet her on the show, but she worried none of them would be as good as Simon.'
In news that broke Sophie's heart, Simon told her he didn't want to be on a reality television show and didn't feel right about the situation.