Fabio who? Even the toughest reality TV veterans probably asked that when Fabio Knez (30) was announced as a candidate for the 2024 jungle camp. The 30-year-old doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry. But after a week in Australia, the giant has become a fan favorite and favorite for the jungle crown. His predecessor on the throne, Filip Pavlovic (29), proclaimed him number one via Instagram.
In “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!” Fabio Knez has been unmissable since he started over a week ago – and not just because he measures 1.94 and weighs around 130 kilos. The Munich native stands out with his look despite the jungle uniform. A mustache under his nose and a pair of voluminous aviator sunglasses on top. He also has long brown hair, which he sometimes wears open and sometimes in Obelix memorial braids. RTL already described him as the illegitimate child of Pippi Longstocking and Tom “Magnum” Selleck (79).
Fabio Knez wasn’t always so muscular. He often posts before and after pictures on Instagram. Within ten years he transformed from a leek, who at over 1.90 meters weighed less than 80 kilograms, to the Hulk. At times he was even a bit chubby, which he didn’t hide. He likes to write self-optimization sayings to accompany the pictures, which he has fortunately saved himself in the jungle camp so far.
Atypical for “I’m a Star – Get Me Out of Here!”: Unlike drama queen Kim Virgina (28), Fabio stands out from the crowd with a more reserved nature – without being dull like David Odonkor (39) or appearing arrogant like Felix von Jascheroff (41).
Fabio scores with viewers with his approachable, interested nature, even towards outsiders like Kim. The giant is especially chivalrous towards camp senior Heinz Hoenig (72) in a touchingly old-fashioned way. He leads the aging actor on his arm through the jungle, even though he can actually walk just fine on his own.
But how did Fabio Knez actually qualify for the jungle camp? The Munich native initially trained as a vehicle mechatronics technician with the police. He then worked there for a while. Working is the wrong word. As a police officer, he actually just sneaked from one break (or snack in good Bavarian) to the next. He revealed this in the jungle camp in his typically carefree way.
At some point Fabio gave up his civil servant status. The fitness freak trained as a personal trainer and worked as a salesman in various industries. He now praises upscale vacuum cleaners – making him the best-known vacuum cleaner representative since Loriot’s Heinzelmann salesman.
After breaking up with his long-term girlfriend, Fabio moved onto dating TV. In “Make Love, Fake Love” he unsuccessfully applied for Yeliz Koc (30). On “Are you the One?” He presented a pair of swimming trunks he designed himself, with his own likeness printed on them. Although he didn’t meet the perfect match the show intended, he did get to know and love Darya Strelnikova there. The former “GNTM” participant is now his companion in Australia.
But what are the chances of winning the jungle throne? In recent years, the aforementioned Filip Pavlovic, candidates who were previously almost unknown candidates have often won. Celebrities who go for a ruckus may initially get a lot of airtime, but they usually don’t make it to the top.
What could speak against him: Fabio has not yet been able to prove himself in a jungle test. And by overcoming adversity, the stars can score points with audiences. The fact that Fabio has not yet been selected for any tests is also due to his guard measurements. It was partially blocked because it was too big or too heavy…
