She’s beautiful, she’s blonde, and she’s about to battle it out on one of the most gruelling reality TV shows ever – what has Simone Holtznagel gotten herself into?
The Australian model found fame in 2011 on a very different show, Australia’s Next Top Model, but now she’s tackling SAS Australia and is in for a huge challenge.
From the intimidating directing staff (DS), to the brutal physical and mental trials, the 28-year-old will be tested like never before on the show.
But who is Simone when she’s not dressed in military fatigues and rolling around in mud? Keep scrolling to find out.
Why did Simone Holtznagel decide to go on SAS Australia?
Simone Holtznagel is tackling the SAS Australia course in 2022.
(Image: Channel Seven)After two years of lockdowns, Simone jumped at the chance to sign up for the tough military-style show but discovered she had bitten off more than she could chew.
“I thought it would be a great challenge and something to work towards,” she told The West Australian.
But unlike her time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the challenges on SAS seriously intimidated Simone and left her second guessing her own abilities.
“I did doubt myself a lot. But I think that’s just because, you know, I was very much out of my comfort zone, out of my league,” she confessed.
It didn’t help that two of the earliest challenges involved water, one of the model’s biggest fears after a traumatic experience at the beach when she was young.
“I knew it was going to be difficult, but it was just so real. I don’t think I was prepared for how overwhelming it would be,” Simone said in an official statement.
“It surprised me just how real the experience was. It’s unlike anything I’ve been involved with production-wise.
“There was no interaction with anyone besides the DS and other recruits. It was really difficult to be surrounded by crew and not be able to speak to anyone.”
Has Simone Holtznagel been on TV before?
Simone poses with fellow Australia’s Next Top Model finalsists and host Sarah Murdoch (second left).
(Image: Getty)Simone first found fame in 2011 when she appeared on season seven of Australia’s Next Top Model, where she was named runner up to winner Montana Cox.
The show was judged by Australian model and actress Sarah Murdoch, fashion designer Alex Perry and New Zealand–Australian model and media personality Charlotte Dawson.
Charlotte and Simone formed a close bond on the show and Charlotte took the young model under her wing after it aired, dubbing Simone her “adopted daughter” as she made her way in the fashion industry.
Simone’s other TV appearance was on the fourth season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018, where she shared a side of herself Aussies had never seen before.
As well as showing off her charming personality, Simone opened up on the show about her bond with Charlotte and her heartache following Charlotte’s death by suicide in 2014.
“Charlotte was one of my best friends and she was the mentor on Top Model. And we were very, very, very close,” Simone said on the show.
The model also appeared on Channel Seven’s First Dates in 2020.
WATCH: SImone opens up about Charlotte Dawson on I’m A Celeb… Story continues after video.
What was Simone Holtznagel’s relationship with Charlotte Dawson like?
Simone and Charlotte were incredibly close in the years after meeting on Australia’s Next Top Model, often appearing at major fashion events together.
Recalling her friend and mentor for Mamamia’s Extraordinary Stories podcast, the 28-year-old said: “She was definitely intimidating when you first met her.
“She was just such a force. But as soon as you actually met her, she was just so lovely. I think she liked that; she liked having that strong, don’t-mess-with-me kind of persona.”
Tragically, Charlotte died by suicide in 2014 after battling depression and a period of intense online trolling – she was just 47.
The loss rocked Simone and she struggled to come to terms with it, even after seeing Charlotte’s body as her New Zealand family had not yet arrived in Australia.
“I told her how much I loved her. II wish I gave her a kiss. But I was too scared — I was only 20 [years old]. But I’m really glad that I [saw her],” Simone told the podcast.
Even now, eight years later, Simone still grapples with the heartache of losing her closest friend and mentor at such a young age, sharing regular tributes to Charlotte online.
Simone with Charlotte (centre) and another model.
(Image: Instagram)Where else have Aussies seen Simone Holtznagel before?
As well as her TV credits, Simone is an accomplished model who has starred in campaigns for the likes of Guess, Playboy, Bras N Things, Honey Birdette and more.
Her incredible figure has landed her plenty of work modelling swimwear and lingerie, so it’s not uncommon to spot the star in glossy magazines or Instagram ads.
Who is Simone Holtznagel dating?
The 28-year-old generally likes to keep her private life private and plays her romances close to the chest.
While it doesn’t look like Simone is dating anyone right now, we’ll be keeping an eye out for any romantic connections that may form on SAS.
Simone is known for her modelling work and likes to keep her personal life private.
(Image: Instagram)Want all the details on the latest season of SAS: Australia? Check out these stories:
Is SAS Australia really “as fake as MAFS”? Here’s the truth
Where is SAS Australia filmed? Inside the brutal location
Who is SAS Australia’s ruthless leader Ant Middleton?
SAS Australia star Anna Heinrich’s baby stole our hearts
Inside Locky Gilbert and Irena Srbinovska’s relationship
Meet the family waiting for Barry Hall at home after SAS
