Nick Viall and Josh Murray are far from borrowing each other’s scarves, but the Bachelorette runner-up hopes he can one day be pals with the guy who won Andi Dorfman’s heart. In a conference call the morning after his appearance on “After the Final Rose,” the Wisconsin native told Us Weekly he “certainly” hopes he can maintain a friendship with the newly engaged couple down the road.
“Last night was a little bit unexpected. I certainly wish them all the happiness in the world. Josh, for much of the time before things got a little awkward, was a very close friend of mine,” the 33-year-old told Us. “I think the world of him and I think the world of her. It’s a difficult situation for all of us.”
Viall was left heartbroken when Dorfman chose Murray, 29, over him in the July 28 finale. He made several failed attempts to contact Dorfman after filming, and finally had his moment to speak to the 27-year-old Atlanta native during the live ATFR special Monday night. Their cordial greeting and conversation turned heated, however, when he revealed in front of everyone that the two “made love” during their fantasy suite date. Dorfman called it a “below the belt” comment.
“I don’t have any resentment or anger towards them. It’s a difficult situation and it still makes me sad. I’m still hurt and heartbroken about it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish them all the best,” the software salesman told Us. “I do, in a lot of ways, miss that friendship I had with Josh. I don’t know if it will ever be the same, but it would be cool if we could all get to that point where it was possible.”
Viall offered his well wishes to the couple via Twitter, too. “Congratulations to @AndiDorfman and @jmurbulldog on their engagement. Wishing you both incredible happiness. #TheBachelorette #Bachelorette,” he tweeted Monday. He also posted a picture of himself backstage at the live show, adding: “An end to a journey..a beginning of a life.”