That smile, those abs. WHOA! We can see why Sophie Monk and almost every girl on Bachelor in Paradise has gone gaga for Gold Coast magician Apollo Jackson; he’s the full package, and totally modest as well.
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“I’m actually a really big nerd,” Apollo reveals at OK!’s exclusive shoot. In between flexing his muscles, dancing – the guy’s got moves! – singing, a few magic tricks and showing his prowess in front of the camera, the 25-year-old wooed us with his kind nature and good heart. And, surprisingly, admitted he’s not used to his new-found fame.
“It’s been really humbling. The people who recognise me don’t come up to me because of my looks per se, but more because of my personality and gentleman-like behaviour,” he explains. “I used to get teased about being ‘the nice guy’ when I was younger, so it’s great to be appreciated. Being the polite kid was never cool, but it is definitely paying off now!”
When Apollo hit Paradise, with his good guy reputation in tow, he immediately had eyes for Simone Ormesher. Here, the all-round stud opens up about his future with Simone, having kids and how his heart attack at age 22 made him who he is today.
What drew you to Simone on the show?
Coming into Paradise, all the girls were beautiful. But it was important to find someone above that level of attraction, someone who could have a laugh, and was down to earth – and Simone is all that.
Did you get involved in Elora and Simone’s dramatic beef?
I tried to not get caught up in the drama; you can’t judge someone from a past feud, so it wasn’t for me to get involved in. I was just trying to be respectful and I am terrible when it comes to confrontation – it’s my worst nightmare. I absolutely hate it.
You live on the Gold Coast and Simone’s based in Melbourne. How would you two make it work?
We had a good conversation about it. I am such a nomadic person, my average week will consist of about four to five flights interstate. My career pattern is probably my biggest challenge [when it comes to relationships]. Simone knows that. In the real world, some weeks she may only see me once a fortnight or she may see me every day for a week. It’s sporadic.
Will your schedule get in the way of you getting married and having a family?
I don’t like the term ‘settle down’, but I’m about to buy a house. I never want to raise kids in an environment where you have to stay in one place. I want them to have adventures and travel from a young age. I want a partner I can create memories with and travel the world with. Finding that happy medium is the key. I am looking for someone I can marry… and then become a young dad.
Health is obviously really important to you now – we’ve seen your body! But that wasn’t always the case, was it?
No. When I was 22, I had a heart attack. I was working in the mines doing 100-hour weeks. It was insane. I was really unhappy, and eating and eating to make up for it. I wasn’t looking after myself physically or mentally. You can only abuse that for so long. It tore me down to the base of myself and what’s important, and that’s why I have the personality I have now. I’ve had that big brush with mortality and now I appreciate things a lot more. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
For more from our chat with Apollo, grab a copy of OK! Magazine, on sale now!
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Thanks to:
Photograher: Phillip Castleton @ Bauer Media Photographics
Hair and Makeup: Kelly Bowman @ Reload Agency
Styling: Maya Wyszynski
Clothing: Johnny Bigg