Renata Sopek (born May 6, 1979) is a Croatian television presenter, fitness trainer and communication expert. She became known to a wider audience as the host of popular shows like “Big Brother” and showbiz magazine “Stars Extra”, and she also stood out by hosting her own fitness shows “In good shape with Renata Sopek”. For almost two decades, she was one of the most recognizable faces on domestic television, and later successfully built a career in the world of public relations. This woman from Zagreb is also known for promoting a healthy life, which turned her into a kind of fitness icon in Croatia. Below is a detailed overview of her life path and answers to the most common questions – from early life and TV success, through business ventures, to private interesting things from Renata Sopek’s biography.
Early life and education
Renata Sopek was born in Zagreb on May 6, 1979, where she grew up with mother Ružica and younger sister Sandra. After finishing high school, she started studying law at the Faculty of Law in Osijek, but over time she left her studies to devote herself to the business opportunities that appeared to her on television. However, the desire for additional education later prevailed – In 2013 He enrolls in the College of Communication Management Edward Bernays with the aim of acquiring professional knowledge in public relations. She proved to be an excellent student; She graduated with the highest grades, in parallel, matching her work obligations and studies. Such a commitment to education and training gave her a solid foundation for later PR career, thus successfully expanding her professional competences.
television career
Getting started on TV and the rise of popularity
Renata’s breakthrough to the media scene began in the early 2000s, at first in the role of a television hostess – she was the so-called. “Bingo girl” in lottery shows. Soon after, she got an engagement at RTL television As a weather forecaster, where she gained initial experience in front of the cameras. Charm and attractive appearance brought her a flattering title “Sexiest Croatian women”, which was assigned to her by the media – just after that election, the public notices more intensively and her popularity is growing rapidly. Thanks to this recognition, the door to larger projects on television opened for her.
The first big TV role was In 2006 When did she become part of the reality show team Big Brother. She participated in running third season Croatian versions of Big Brother, together with experienced colleagues Antonija Blaća and Boris Mirković. Although she was not the main host of the show, Renata successfully presented herself to the audience in that project and confirmed herself as a TV personality who finds her way in both live formats and with high viewership. At the same time, she also tried her hand at the world of marketing – during those early years, she recorded a number of television commercials for well-known brands such as Peugeot, Zvijezda and Podravka, which further built her presence in the media space.
After Big Brother, Renata Sopek continued to build a TV career as the host of Showbizz magazine “Stars Extra” on RTL. In that show, every week she introduced viewers to biographies and interesting things from the lives of celebrities, often showing their private video materials. The show was well received, and Renata showed a natural talent for running an entertainment program and talking with celebryti. In addition, she lent her voice to animated films – for example, she worked on dubbing cartoons “Ants” (Antz) and other projects, which speaks of the breadth of her media engagements.
Renata Sopek’s most famous television shows:
- stars extra – A weekly entertainment magazine on RTL Television, in which she represented the lives and secrets of domestic and foreign stars.
- Big Brother 3 (2006) – Running the 3rd season of the reality show Big Brother As a co-host, in tandem with Antonija Blaća and Boris Mirković.
- In good shape with Renata Sopek – Daily lifestyle show (RTL2, 2011-2012) in which Renata demonstrated exercises and tips for healthy living in front of the cameras. The show had two seasons, and Renata even tried to break the Guinness record in group exercise by gathering thousands of people for joint training in Split.
- Ultrafit by Renata Sopek – own project launched in 2014, which includes a web portal and a TV show of the same name about recreation and nutrition. Through ultrafit The platform Renata offered a series of video exercises, training plans and healthy recipes, thus combining her media experience with fitness expertise.
Fitness shows and special projects
Renata Sopek’s particular passion for sports and a healthy lifestyle came to the fore through her fitness projects on television. After classic entertainment formats, she decided to use her own condition and knowledge and designed and hosted the show “In good shape with Renata Sopek”. In that everyday show, she showed viewers simple exercises to keep in shape, demonstrating them personally and motivating the audience to practice along with her. The show combined educational and entertaining content, and thanks to Renata’s approachable style, many loved her as a television fitness instructor.
years 2014. Renata expands its influence in the field of recreation by launching a web portal “Ultrafit by Renata Sopek”. The portal became the central place where she published professionally prepared trainings for different parts of the body and all levels of exercisers – from beginners to advanced. In addition to video exercises, she also shared healthy recipes, promoting a holistic approach to health (combination of exercise and proper nutrition). Soon after, the content of the portal was transferred to the small screen through the show of the same name on RTL, which ultrafit additionally lived among the audience. Renata strengthened the status of the project fitness expert among TV presenters.
It is also worth mentioning that Renata Sopek was hired as the face of various sports and recreational events. For example, she was Ambassador of the “Aktivna Croatia” program, initiatives aimed at encouraging citizens to exercise across the country, and she also performed in mass outdoor training. She was also once declared a protective face Formula 1 Race for promotional purposes in Croatia, showing that its popularity and influence reach areas outside the classic TV program.
Entrepreneurship and other projects
In addition to her television career, Renata Sopek also tried her hand at entrepreneurial waters, mainly related to her interests in sports, entertainment and media:
- Own fitness center: Renata is the owner of a modern fitness center in Zagreb, where she gathered an expert team of coaches and continues to spread the philosophy of healthy living outside the TV screen. In addition, she is licensed Zumba instructor, which shows that he personally continuously works on education in the field of various exercise programs.
- UltraFit web portal and brand: As mentioned, 2014 launched ultrafit Portal and accompanying line of fitness video materials, which have become a kind of brand. Renata positioned herself as “Croatia Jane Fund” For new generations of exercisers, turning their media recognition into a successful fitness business. Many of her home training DVDs were sold out, and the portal brought together a significant community of escorts.
- Nightclub “Theater”: Together with her then partner Sergej Bijelić, in 2015 she opened Lounge bar/club theater in Split Zvončac Park. The bar is designed as a place that combines showbiz glamor and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The project attracted the attention of the media – both because of well-known investors, but also the unusual interior designed by Tihana Runje (wife of soccer player Vedran Runje). However, after a few years, the club encountered administrative problems – in 2017, a dispute broke out over the building’s building permit, which caused the theater to stop working.
- Campaigns and public engagements: Renata has been for many years a permanent ambassador of a healthy life – participates in campaigns, humanitarian races and projects that promote physical activity and proper nutrition. She regularly appears as a presenter or guest at sports events and panels related to wellness. Thanks to this reputation, she received several Dean’s Awards because she successfully balanced her professional work and academic obligations, which testifies to her discipline and diligence.
transition to PR career
after almost 20 years in front of TV cameras, Renata Sopek decided to turn a new page in her career. years 2020. She announced that she is employed in a reputable Zagreb Agency for Integrated Communication. For many, this decision was a surprise, but also a logical sequence with regard to her additional education in communication management. in an interview for Gloria Renata pointed out that many years of media experience has really trained her for the PR profession – through television projects she learned to coordinate sponsorships, design content and manage budgets, which skills are also applicable in agency work.
She earned her diploma from Edward Bernays of the College with excellent results, which gave her additional confidence in the professional transition. Engagement in PR agency Millennium promotion (specialized for integrated communications) marked the beginning of its new business chapter. She soon proved herself in that field as well – she progressed to a position Senior Account Manager and PR advisors, working on communication campaigns for large clients.
It is important to note that Renata has not completely left the world of media. He still occasionally accepts hosting engagements on events and television, but much more selectively than before. She admits that after years of working on her own projects, she has become more picky and that she is attracted only by high-quality and interesting projects.. “I’m not tired of television, but some things you outgrow. Your priorities change”, she said, explaining how natural it is that after a long series of years in the same job, a person wants new challenges. Precisely because of these changed priorities, today she feels more comfortable in the background – as a producer or communication expert – while directing her recognizable enthusiasm towards clients and socially useful campaigns.
personal life
Throughout her career, Renata Sopek tried to maintain a touch of privacy, so her personal life It rarely exposes in the media. However, something is known about her more important relationships. During the early 2000s, she was in a relationship with a Zagreb entrepreneur Hrvoje Markotićand then spent almost two decades in a stable relationship with Sergej Bijelić, restaurateur from Split. The couple lived far from the public eye and rarely appeared together in the media. 2016 Renata and Sergej got engaged after a long-term relationship, but the wedding did not take place. at the end of 2024. Local media reported that Renata Sopek and her fiance ended the relationship by mutual consent, after almost 18 years together. The reason for the breakup is said to be that “over time they realized that love had disappeared” and they decided to stay on good terms and move on each on their own path.
Despite the breakup, Renata repeatedly emphasized that she wishes for a family and children in the future. As she stated, the priorities change over time – once extremely dedicated to her career, today it is also seen in the role of a mother in the recent years. For now, she has no children of her own, but she is very connected to the family she comes from. Her mother and sister provide her with a private foothold outside the world of the public, and Renata often points out that it was her family who taught her work habits and values that accompanies her throughout her life.
In his free time, Renata Sopek lives what he propagates professionally – he plays sports, runs and practices various forms of fitness. She is a lover of nature and animals (in interviews, she mentions that she imagines a “full house of beasts” one day), which is confirmed by her posts on social networks. On Instagram, he often shares moments from his workouts, healthy meals or relaxed moments with friends, showing the audience and his spontaneous, grounded side away from television studios.
Conclusion
Renata Sopek It is an example of a person who has successfully adapted and developed through different stages of career – from a young TV personality and sex symbol of the 2000s, through the established manager and fitness trainer, up to today’s PR expert with credibility in the business world. Her biography is inspired by the fact that with persistence and work one can achieve varied success: she has built A brand around your own name, encouraged many to exercise and live a healthy life, and then, without fear of change, directed themselves towards the new profession. Renata continues to combine her passions – communication, media and fitness – so we can expect that she will appear in the role of host of special events, but also behind the scenes as Communications advisor on projects related to sports, health or show business.
Ultimately, Renata Sopek’s story confirms the importance of constant learning and adaptation. Her transformation from a TV star to a business woman shows that public figures can build successfully another career when the time comes. For fans and readers who follow her work, Renata remains an inspiration – both for an active and healthy life, and for the courage to follow life’s new ambitions. If you were inspired by this biography of Renata Sopek, feel free to share it Or explore other stories of successful Croatian personalities that prove that dreams can come true with dedicated work. All of us, just like Renata, may be in for a new exciting stage of life – it’s up to us to recognize it and make the best use of it.