THE picturesque town of Hamilton featured in the Finale of Channel 7’s Farmer Wants a Wife series on Sunday night, as eligible farmer Brenton Kuch, 26, from Darriman, Victoria, travelled to the south-west to meet Sophie Holcombe’s parents.
Although filming occurred in late 2022, the audience caught a glimpse of Gray Street and Lake Hamilton as Brenton rolled into town to meet Michael and Robyn Holcombe at their home.
Perched on a rock on the edge of Lake Hamilton, Sophie looked relaxed and happy as she watched Brenton pull up in his ute.
“So, what do you think of Hamilton?” Sophie asked.
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Brenton said.
Replete with an obligatory sweetener for the parents in the form of a gift box from The Hamilton Hamper under his arm, Brenton greeted Sophie’s parents to be subject to their scrutiny as well as that of her protective grandmothers.
Sophie Holcombe, 25, grew up on the family farm at Branxholme and was one of two remaining candidates from the original five that started out in the reality television series which began in April.
Although concerned, Sophie’s parents, and grandmothers Mary Millard and Janice Holcombe of Hamilton, were very supportive of her choice in applying to go on the show to see where the journey would take her.
In an interview at her son and daughter-in-law’s home, Janice reflected on the societal changes since her early courting days before marriage.
“We were back in the days … there was no mobile phones and whatever, social media,” she said.
“They used to have a dance in the local hall, and this is where you would meet young farmers.
“My Roger (Janice’s late husband) was there, and he came and asked me for a dance and that was it, we fell in love.”
Janice said she was worried for her granddaughter and that she might have her heart broken.
“I don’t watch a lot of reality,” she said.
“I thought, ‘oh dear’, I would see girls crying …
“But Sophie has got such a wonderful outlook.”
Robyn’s mother, Mary, was complimentary of the ‘old style’ of matchmaking and said she met her late husband, Max, at the ‘Younger Set’ dances as well (social get-togethers for younger single people).
“Beautiful dancer, fell in love, got married, four children and lots of lovely grandchildren.”
Brenton and Sophie hit it off very early on in the series and after three rivals were eliminated from the show, Sophie began to become a serious contender as a future love match, or even wife.
“The connection between Brenton and I is so strong,” Sophie said.
“I think I felt it from day one as soon as I met him.
“He is a good hardworking family guy and I think he’s got good family values.”
Sophie’s parents described her as adventurous, which Channel 7 producers used to keep viewers in suspense, with Brenton expressing concern that perhaps she was not ready to settle down on a farm again after living in Sydney and most recently, Brisbane.
Sophie said her parents had been very supportive of her moving to the city when she turned 18, and in fact, were genuinely surprised to learn that she was considering moving back to the country.
“It is a big move for her moving out of sunny Brisbane and the fast-moving lifestyle – it’s a big step,” Robyn said.
As the final episode – the Finale – played out, there were tears as farmer Brenton revealed his decision as to which of the final two he would pursue a romance, with Sophie eventually emerging as the chosen one.
“I can’t wait to start our future together,” Brenton said.
“Hopefully there is marriage and children.”
Robyn Holcombe works at the Hamilton Base Hospital and was pleased to reveal that the romance was presently still going strong as was revealed in the ‘Reunion’ episode on Monday night.
“It’s all good … (we are all) very happy,” Robyn said.
“It’s a very good outcome.
“She moved to Darriman straight away and has been there for five months trying to keep a very low profile.”
Robyn said now that the success of the relationship can be made public, Sophie was excited to play her first game of netball for the Woodside Wild Cats this Saturday.
She said that only immediate family members were able to be informed of how the relationship was faring.
“The whole thing has been a lot of fun,” Robyn said.
“But social media has been a bit tough for all the girls I believe, but there has been a lot of positive support.
“A lot of local people who don’t normally watch the show have certainly tuned in.
“We really appreciate the support and interest from the community – it has been amazing.”
