The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert on pronouncing Irena Srbinovska’s name wrong

Locky Gilbert spent months on The Bachelor pronouncing Irena Srbinovska’s first name as “Eye-reen-ah”, instead of “Eh-renna”. 

And posting to Instagram Stories on Friday, the 31-year-old tattooed hunk explained why he’s only just begun to pronounce his lover’s name correctly.

When asked by a fan during a Q&A session, Locky revealed that it was much ‘easier’ on himself and the production crew to refer to Irena as “Eye-reen-ah”. 

Seated on the couch alongside Irena, 31, he explained: ‘We didn’t call it (her name) “Eh-renna” on the show, because it was just hard. 

‘It’s very hard to say, so it’s a bit easy for production and everyone [to say “Eye-reen-ah”.’

Locky continued: ‘Now that we’re out, I try my best to say it the correct way which is “Eh-renna”.’   

The pronunciation of Irena’s name reflects her Macedonian heritage – of which she and her family are very proud.  

In fact, some of Irena’s family members have previously posted videos about the show while using the correct pronunciation. 

An insider previously told Daily Mail Australia that Irena always introduces herself with the “Eye-reen-ah” pronunciation, because the correct way is often too difficult for people to pronounce. 

‘Not many people call her “Eh-renna” really, because she doesn’t choose to go by it and doesn’t like to have to correct people.’ 

Last month, Locky chose Irena over Bella Varelis on The Bachelor finale last month.  

‘Irena, every time I’m with you… I feel so safe and protected, and it’s kind of weird, ’cause I’m a pretty big dude, and not many people can make me feel like that, but just when I’m with you, I feel so calm and comfortable,’ he told her.

‘When I think about our future together, I’m so excited and I can’t wait to just travel the world and make all your dreams come true.  

‘Irena, I’m so in love with you. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.’