Sondre Sundby is the new champion of Norway’s “Farmen kjendis” (Celebrity Farm), besting Heidi Røneid in a final knowledge competition on Sunday.
Sundby described his time on Fredheim farm as a significant journey.
“It turned into quite the adventure in the complete. It was a real experience, where I learned a lot in six and a half weeks,” Sundby told TV 2 when the network caught up with him at his apartment in Grünerløkka, Oslo.
The reality competition, popular in Norway, puts celebrities to the test with agricultural challenges and social dynamics. For the 34-year-old TV personality, farm life offered a rare opportunity to disconnect from a busy everyday routine. He found himself unexpectedly immersed in a bubble of calm and focus.
“‘Farmen kjendis’ gives you the chance to completely withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the world today. You end up in such a crazy bubble, which I didn’t think was even possible,” Sundby explained.
Didn’t Expect to Win
Sundby admitted he was surprised by his experience on the farm, initially not considered a frontrunner for the win. He described himself with a laugh as “ten percent practical.”
“All my biggest knowledge gaps became very clear when I was on the farm. Everything from animals to cooking to carpentry, all of it.”
He admitted he initially underestimated his opponent, Stinius Maurstad. A controversial choice of the “sack” challenge led to criticism from viewers who felt Sundby was being cowardly.
“People are free to think what they aim for. At the same time, I have to say that Stinius is good at absolutely everything. He’s incredibly smart, as well as athletic. So it’s not really unfair. He chose me, and then I had to choose the event. I went for an event I thought I had the best chance of winning in.”
He ultimately won the head-to-head, and then the final competition. “Now life’s big goal has been achieved: to win a reality show. So now I don’t know what to do next,” Sundby said shortly after the final was recorded in Søgne.
“The biggest achievement in the Sundby family,” is how he described his win, playfully suggesting he’s surpassed his brother, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, a decorated cross-country skier.
“I have to say that now I have the biggest achievement in the Sundby family. I’ve surpassed Martin’s Seefeld gold. And I’m the first non-celebrity to win ‘Farmen kjendis’,” he laughed.
The brothers have always had a unique relationship, despite the competitive dynamic. “There’s seven years between us, so there’s never really been any competition between us. Believe it or not. We’ve always been incredibly close.”
Martin Johnsrud Sundby served as Sondre’s coach during his brother’s skiing career. “What’s cool about it is that it’s always been us against the world. It hasn’t been us two against each other, but ‘how do we win that World Championship gold?’”
Looking for More Reality TV
Beyond his recent win, Sundby is open to more reality television opportunities. He’s already eyeing future challenges, including “Skal vi danse” (Shall We Dance).
“I’m not hard to convince, so I’m just waiting for the next opportunity.” He also mentioned “Jaget” (The Chase), “Boksen” (The Box), and “Forræder” (Traitor) as interesting possibilities.
How He Met His Girlfriend
Outside of reality TV, Sundby has found love with Aurora Hoff, whom he met the “old-fashioned way” – on the dance floor at the Jeger nightclub.
“I went up to her group of friends and told a terrible joke. And then I saw her, and realized she was the prettiest of them all.”
