I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Sir Mo Farah’s horrific childhood, real name, height and wife he met in school
From the Olympics to the jungle round two!Sir Mo Farah has immersed himself in camp for another jungle stint on I’m A Celebrity South Africa – and the beloved Olympian has been through a lot in his life…
The new ITV series – fronted by Ant and Dec – kicked off earlier this week (April 6) and, as well as Sir Mo, other famous faces such as Gemma Collins, Adam Thomas and David Haye are back on screens.
But when did Sir Mo appear on I’m A Celebrity? And how far did we get?
From his heartbreaking childhood to his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, here’s everything you need to know about Sir Mo Farah.
Who is I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Sir Mo Farah?
Sir Mo Farah is an Olympic hero and former long-distance runner. As one of Britain’s most successful athletes, he has won countless medals including four Olympic and six World titles.
In 2023 though, Sir Mo announced his retirement. He told BBC Sport at the time: “It’s very emotional. There was a lot going through my mind. All I know is running and that is what made me happy for so many years. Running is everything to me. Running is what saved me.”
As well as his sporting career, Sir Mo has made several TV appearances, even becoming the face of Quorn, reportedly helping deliver a 17% rise in value sales. He also had a stint on I’m A Celebrity a few years back.
Why is Mo Farah a Sir?
In 2013, Sir Mo was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In 2017, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2017 New Years Honours for services to athletics.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
Speaking after his knighting ceremony, Sir Mo said: “Over the years you dream of becoming something or doing something in your career, to take it to the highest level and become an Olympic champion – that was always the dream.
“As an eight-year-old coming from Somalia and not speaking a word of English, to be recognised by your country, it is incredible.”
Where was Sir Mo Farah born? What is his real name?
Mo was born in Somaliland in 1983, and was illegally trafficked to the United Kingdom from Djibouti to work for a woman he had never met and look after another family’s children.
Speaking in 2022 about the ordeal, Mo revealed he was given the name Mohamed Farah by those who flew him over. His real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin.
According to Sir Mo, “if I wanted food in my mouth” he had to do housework and childcare. The woman also told him: “If you ever want to see your family again, don’t say anything.”
He added: “Often I would just lock myself in the bathroom and cry.”
For his first few years in the UK, Sir Mo wasn’t allowed to go to school. When he turned 11 he attended Year 7 at Feltham Community College, where staff were told he was a refugee from Somalia.
After revealing the truth, a PE teacher contacted social services to help Sir Mo be fostered by another Somali family.
“I still missed my real family, but from that moment everything got better. I felt like a lot of stuff was lifted off my shoulders, and I felt like me. That’s when Mo came out – the real Mo,” he said.
How tall is Sir Mo Farah? How much is he worth?
Sir Mo Farah is 1.75 meters tall, which is equivalent to 5ft 9in.
With an impressive career that spans decades, Sir Mo is believed to be around £4m, as The Sun reports. What’s more, his endorsements and adverts have helped boost his bank balance following his retirement.
Over the years, Sir Mo has bagged deals with brands such as Nike, Huawei, Lucozade and Quorn.
Who is Sir Mo Farah married to? Is he still married?
Sir Mo is loved-up with his wife Tania Neill. The pair met at their school when Tania was 11 and Mo was 12.
In a BBC documentary, Tania spoke about her first impression of Sir Mo. She gushed: “He was always smiling, that’s what stood out about Mo. Amongst the groups of grumpy teenagers, Mo was always happy go lucky.”
Originally the pair were like “brother and sister” as she revealed to The Telegraph, and they both grew apart when they left school. Years later though, they started dating after reconnecting through Facebook.
Going from strength to strength, Sir Mo and Tania made things official and got married in Richmond in 2020. And although Tania keeps a low profile, she previously revealed that she doesn’t see herself as a ‘rock’ to Sir Mo.
“I don’t actually see myself that way,” she told Refinery29. Tania added: “I do what I can, and what’s necessary, but it’s a compliment because, obviously, he’s doing well. I’ll take it.”
I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Sir Mo Farah’s children
Mo and his Nell share three children, twins Aisha and Amani, born in 2012 and a son, Hussein, born in 2015. Nell also has an older daughter, Rihanna, from a previous relationship.
The Olympian has previously spoken out about how he treats Rihanna like she is his own child. He told GQ: “It upsets me when people say she’s my stepdaughter. She is not,” before noting that her dad is not in their life.
Mo even dedicated his 10,000m gold medal to Rihanna at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He wrote on Instagram, after the race: “Oh my days….!! I did it for Rhianna.. My daughter!!! This is for my family.”
Where does Sir Mo Farah live?
In 2024, Sir Mo and their children moved to Doha, the capital of Qatar, after his retirement from running.
This month, it was reported that he had changed his residential status from the UK to Qatar. As The Sun reports, paperwork for his company show the company has assets of £3.9million and paid £375,000 in tax and VAT in 2023. Sir Mo would be exempt from tax by moving his residency to Qatar.
Sir Mo previously splashed the cash on a luxury reported £4m home for his family, that measured in at 7,829sqft. The Surrey mansion boasts eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and even an outdoor swimming pool.
In 2025 though, Sir Mo put the property up for sale six years after buying it. And earlier this year in February, it was reported the house had been sold.
What does Sir Mo Farah do now?
Following his retirement from elite athletics in September 2023, Sir Mo Farah is focusing on family life, charity work, and new business ventures. He also hosts a running podcast, Run With Mo.
When was Sir Mo Farah on I’m A Celebrity?
Sir Mo Farah competed in the 2020 series of I’m A Celebrity. Fans will remember it was filmed at Gwrych Castle in North Wales during the coronavirus pandemic. Mo finished in fifth place.
Talking about why he joined the new I’m A Celebrity South Africa series, Mo said: “As soon as I got the call inviting me, I knew I wanted to be part of the series. I have always wished I could be in a jungle abroad and now I am! I did watch the first Legends series and it looked fun.
“I’ve been to South Africa before many times to do training, but I’ve never been in a rural place like this jungle. It’s going to be exciting.”
View this post on Instagram
How Mo Farah is getting on in I’m A Celebrity South Africa
Sir Mo is proving to be a handy addition to camp. He won a spot in Main Camp in episode one, and impressed with both his fire-lighting skills and his cooking. Scarlett Moffatt even declared that she couldn’t believe a Sir was making her breakfast!
Mo’s attitude has also been hailed by fans. Many have commented that, although he’s from a sporting background like boxer David Haye, he lacks arrogance and has been nothing but nice to his bush pals.
He also made them cry when he opened up about his tough childhood. Definitely one to watch when it comes to the live final…
Read more: Adam Thomas snubbed by ITV after ‘explosive’ unaired row with I’m A Celebrity co-star
