– It is absolutely wonderful to be newly in love. Now we have an everyday life where we meet very often and are together, and get to know each other even better. And we have had a great time. We have such a good time together.
The loving words come from Isfjorden Jørgen Heen Brovold (30).
He looks over at his girlfriend Sofie Skodjevåg Magnussen (27), who smiles in confirmation.
Six months have passed since the sheep farmer and the suitor became a couple after falling head over heels for each other during the filming of this year’s The Hunt for Love.
IN LOVE: Sheep farmer Jørgen Heen Brovold and suitor Sofie Skodjevåg Magnussen found happiness together in the autumn’s Hunt for Love. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
Had to take action
Now the duo are sitting close together in the corner of the sofa in the 30-year-old’s Christmas-decorated living room with tree, advent stake and Santa cushions – with TV 2 visiting. Outside, the snow-covered, majestic mountains tower over the farm in Isfjorden.
When the pursuit of love was at its worst this autumn, hiding the relationship from the outside world was anything but easy. The couple had to take some measures to stay under the radar as much as possible.
– It was a bit of a challenge to have to hide after the recording was finished. We had to hide the cars when we visited each other. I wasn’t out in the yard that much, but stayed indoors, Magnussen tells TV 2.
– It was a cap and hooded jacket. Many people said afterwards that they were very curious about what kind of foreign car was in the yard, and that they had to look at the registration number, Brovold elaborates further.
See the interview with the Jakten couple in the video at the top of the story, where they share about the time after the dating program.
Hot cabin coziness for Jakten-Jørgen
Despite prying eyes, the couple dared to attend a country festival at Vinstra.
– We could actually wear cowboy hats and glasses – and be in hiding, so it went really well, says the farmer.
Difficult transition
But the secret existence as lovers proved to be all-consuming, and it has subsequently taken time to come out of the shell.
– After it was on TV, it was actually a bit difficult to get out of that bubble. We were a bit “stuck” in just keeping ourselves hidden. It was strange to be in public, admits Magnussen.
– It is clear that when you have inquisitive neighbors in a small village like Isfjorden, then it is a matter of getting used to being able to learn to be in public. We have struggled to get out of it – to realize that now we can go to a restaurant or out on the town, explains Brovold, and adds:
ADJUSTMENT: Loved ones Jørgen Heen Brovold and Sofie Skodjevåg Magnussen admit that the transition from The Search for Love to everyday life has been somewhat bumpy. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
– It may have resulted in us eating at home and getting used to that life. I think maybe eventually we will get better at getting out. She must get to know the villagers now.
And even though the transition to the public has been somewhat bumpy, the duo express that it has been nice to show their love – and to be recognised.
– It felt very good to come out as a couple. It was very good not to have to say: “No, you have to watch on TV”. It is very nice to be recognized. You see glances and smiles here and there – pleasant, says the 30-year-old.
– Yes, people are very nice. We were in Røros not too long ago, and then there were many nice people who contacted us, the partner interjects.
Want to move in together
The lovebirds are still living at separate addresses for the time being, but plan to move together sometime in the future.
– The hope in the long term is that Sofie will become a permanent resident here in Isfjorden, and we can spend all our time together, because I know that I want to be around her every day, says Brovold, and continues:
– It is very important to me that if she is going to take the step of moving here, it should be a place where she can take ownership and be able to do what she wants. She will do her thing.
The mermaid girl smiles.
– I think moving to Isfjorden is nothing negative. It is a very nice place with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. That would have been nice.
Cohabitation?: The turtledoves from Jakten på lovelieen expect to become cohabitants in the near future, but take it one day at a time. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
– I mainly come for Jørgen, then, she adds, and chuckles.
An hour’s drive from each other doesn’t stop the couple from spending many weekdays and weekends together either.
– We have been very good at meeting, and have taken all the opportunities that have presented themselves. She has been very good at coming here, and so I go there when I have the opportunity. I have a father who is very kind and helps me a lot on the farm, so he puts everything in order for us to be together, says the roommate.
When the 27-year-old is first on the farm, she is not afraid to touch a roof.
– I will help quite a bit. I try to help more than I am allowed. Jørgen will fix everything, and then I’ll try to trick myself into joining, she says with a laugh, and glances at her boyfriend.
– She is very good at helping, he emphasizes.
FARM LIFE: Sjøholt girl Sofie Skodjevåg Magnussen likes to roll up her sleeves and is fond of animals, which benefits sheep farmer and boyfriend Jørgen Heen Brovold. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
Family dream
Time will tell whether there will be some small crabs on the farm eventually, but both are ready for family growth sooner or later.
– We have been quite unanimous about the desire to start a family, says Magnussen.
– I’m hoping for a small group. Some toddlers running around the yard. It’s cozy. We need more farmers in this country, so we must have a little noble boy – or girl, who can take after us sometime, says the farmer gently.
The lovers also do not rule out taking the relationship a step further in the long term, but point out that they are satisfied as the situation is now, and that they see what the future holds in terms of engagement.
CHILDREN: Both Brovold and Magnussen dream of eventually starting a family. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
Christmas time and New Year’s resolutions
When the bell rings for Christmas, the best friends will celebrate Christmas Eve separately.
– We will not celebrate Christmas together. Jørgen is with his pack of siblings, and I have my brother coming home, says Magnussen.
Nevertheless, they get to enjoy each other’s company during Christmas and on New Year’s Eve, and the advent season has already given way to Christmas baking and conviviality.
– What is so nice about Christmas in Rome is that many parties and Christmas parties are arranged, so it would have been nice to take Sofie along. I’m really looking forward to that, says the farmer, and adds:
– And on New Year’s Eve we enjoy ourselves, and then there will be a New Year’s kiss.
CHRISTMAS KISS: The Jakten couple Jørgen Heen Brovold and Sofie Skodjevåg Magnussen do not celebrate Christmas Eve together, but will spend a lot of time together over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Photo: Martin Giskegjerde / TV 2
Both laugh in unison.
– Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
There is a pause before Magnussen answers:
– Exciting. I haven’t thought about that. I’m thinking of doing a bit more outside, and that we speed more together.
The girlfriend agrees.
– A New Year’s resolution could be along these lines. Putting work aside a little, and having a little more time for each other – going on trips, says Brovold, and continues:
– We both want summit tours. Maybe also a trip to Africa on safari to see animals, so we hope to do that eventually. And then I want to take her on a trip to Asia. That would have been really cool.
Watch the entire season of this year’s The Hunt for Love TV 2 Play.
