Oslo, Norway – Helene Olafsen, known for her role as host of the popular Norwegian dance competition “Skal vi danse,” and her husband, professional dancer Jørgen Nilsen, are navigating a busy period of change. The couple, expecting their third child, have recently purchased a substantial property in Svartskog, Nordre Follo, for approximately 20 million Norwegian kroner, and are currently undertaking extensive renovations. This comes as Nilsen has made a significant career shift, leaving his position as a helicopter pilot.
The decision for Nilsen to step away from flying was driven by the growing family, Olafsen shared during an appearance on the podcast “Råning med Tone” hosted by Tone Damli. “When we were going to have three children, it was not a question,” she explained. “Being a single parent half the time, I don’t know how people manage. In the beginning, we had a base nearby, so it was easier.” The demanding nature of his work, with frequent periods of separation and the inherent anxieties associated with helicopter travel, ultimately led to the change. Olafsen recounted the worry she felt even as tracking his flights, even checking news reports for potential incidents. “I followed his flights and got scared when coverage disappeared. I had to check VG to see if a rotor had gone,” she said.
New Home, Ongoing Renovation
The couple’s new home, a 1933 timber-frame house, represents a significant investment and a fresh start. According to reporting from Sosialnytt, the property boasts a large garden, a private dock, a boathouse, and an annex. However, it requires substantial renovation, estimated to cost between 5 and 10 million kroner. Currently, the family is temporarily residing in the annex while the main house undergoes a complete overhaul.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Olafsen described the current living situation as cramped, noting they are residing in a 30-square-meter space. She similarly shared a humorous anecdote about an early encounter with wildlife. “We had just moved in, and the children didn’t realize we were going to live there. Then a mouse ran across the floor, and I just knew I couldn’t handle it. So, we had a full mouse investigation,” she recounted on the podcast.
Balancing Family and Career
Olafsen, a former athlete, acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of raising young children. “I love being with them, but I also get completely exhausted. I feel all their feelings,” she admitted. Despite the demands, she and Nilsen prioritize maintaining connection amidst the chaos. “We’re not remarkably decent at ‘date nights’ on weekdays, but sometimes we sit at the Mac and appear into each other’s eyes. We locate small pockets, talk in the car and stuff,” she said with a laugh.
Nilsen’s career change allows for more consistent family time, a priority for the couple as they prepare to welcome their third child. The shift also comes after the couple sold their previous home on Malmøya for 19.5 million kroner, having purchased it for 15.9 million kroner in 2019, according to Sosialnytt.
A Moment of Respite
Looking ahead, Olafsen and Nilsen are planning a trip to the Alps, a much-needed break from the ongoing renovation and the demands of daily life. “It feels a bit luxurious to leave the project and everything, but it’s not urgent. It’s important to have a breather. I’m really looking forward to it,” Olafsen said.
When asked by Damli what initially drew her to Nilsen, Olafsen described him as “very kind and very strange.” She continued, “I’ve never met anyone like Jørgen. A simple guy, but then he has the dancing stuff and thinks bigger about life. A strange, complex type. Helicopter and very boyish things, but at the same time very specific candlesticks and very girlish things.” She also recalled his immediate inclination to organize and tidy when he first moved in.
The couple’s journey, from selling their previous home to embarking on a major renovation and a career change, reflects a commitment to family and a willingness to embrace new challenges. As they prepare for the arrival of their third child, they are prioritizing togetherness and finding moments of peace amidst the ongoing transformation of their lives.
The family is expected to take their planned trip to the Alps in the coming weeks, offering a brief respite before returning to the renovation project. Readers can follow Olafsen’s updates on her social media channels for further insights into their journey.
