"Yeah, definitely. I wasn't expecting to leave early," she said on Friday.

While the conversations between the pair flowed and the body language were positive, there was one thing lacking: chemistry.

"I was pretty shocked. However, I'm so grateful to Jimmy for showing me how much he cared," Ashleigh lamented.

"There was a genuine connection between us, but it wasn't the romantic kind.

"The fact that Jimmy felt so strongly towards me and that he didn't want to put me through a rose ceremony speaks volumes about how much mutual respect there was shared between us.

"As much as it was hard to leave without saying goodbye to anyone, I don't think I would have had it any other way."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ashleigh said she took away numerous fond memories and critical learnings from the Bachelor, including a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Flyboarding in a superhero costume that I designed myself was probably the highlight, maybe one of the highlights of my life," she proclaimed.

"I was like how did, how did I find myself here?! I had a very surreal moment like when we're staring down the barrel of the camera doing a little catchphrase.

"(Also) the opportunity to be there in the mansion (was a highlight). Every morning, I get up, make my coffee, sit on the veranda, and just look at the garden... it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"You never really get to see what it's like to to film will be on a reality TV show until you're on one."

Despite the early exit, Ashleigh came home more prosperous for the experience.

"I'm always engaged in a process of introspection and self development," she said.

"I'm always looking to reflect on myself and how I've behaved or conducted myself in various experiences and thinking about what I've done well and what I could do better to put my best foot forward next time. I learned another layer of my resilience that perhaps I didn't realise was there.

"I learned that you can have really beautiful connections with people that aren't necessarily romantic, but they can still serve a purpose.

"It's another piece of the puzzle in the journey of my life."

While publically vying for the affection of a future partner may not be for everyone, Ashleigh had encouraging words for anyone thinking of applying for The Bachelor in the future.

"It's absolutely worthwhile," she said.

"I think when life offers you an opportunity you have to take it. It's definitely worthwhile opportunity because people do fall in love on reality TV shows... crazier things have happened in my life, so why couldn't I meet my person on a reality TV show?"

While Ashleigh is gone, there is still a Horsham, Victoria, connection to the show, with former local Lily Price one of the 13 women left.