Christina Storm biography: age, children, husband, James Small, parents and Instagram
Christina Storm is a South African model, actress, and entrepreneur. She was born on 1 April 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa, and will be 52 in 2026. Christina is best known for her decade-long relationship with the late Springbok rugby star James Small. She has four children and is married to businessman Paul Nel.
Source: UGC
Key takeaways
- Christina Storm was born in Pretoria on 1 April 1974.
- She had a ten-year on-and-off relationship with late Springbok winger James Small, who died on 10 July 2019.
- The actress has four children: Ruby (with James Small), Eve and Vince (with Paul Nel), and stepdaughter Erin.
- She married businessman Paul Nel on 9 October 2013.
- She has featured in over 200 TV commercials and on covers including Elle, GQ, and Playboy.
Profile summary
Full name | Christina Storm |
Date of birth | 1 April 1974 |
Age | 52 (as of 2026) |
Place of birth | Pretoria, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | English (white South African) |
Profession | Model, actress, entrepreneur |
Education | Attended nine schools; no formal qualifications listed |
Height | 171 cm |
Body measurements | 34-23-34 in |
Hair colour | Brown |
Eye colour | Blue |
Relationship status | Married (to Paul Nel, 2013) |
Children | Ruby, Erin (stepdaughter), Eve, Vince |
Social media |
Christina Storm's early life and parents
Christina Storm was born on 1 April 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa. She lived there for only three weeks before her family moved to Namibia, where she spent much of her childhood.
Her parents separated when she was young. Her father, Chris Storm, moved abroad. Her mother remarried and led a nomadic lifestyle, which Storm described as being like a "gypsy." As a result, Storm attended nine different schools.
She has one sister, Willemien. She later relocated to Amsterdam before settling in Johannesburg.
Source: Original
Modelling career
Christina Storm was discovered by scout Renico van Rensburg. She went on to appear on some of South Africa's most prestigious magazine covers.
Her cover credits include Elle (May 1997), Sports Illustrated swimwear (1999), SL (October 1999), GQ (1999), and Playboy (September 2011). She has also appeared in over 200 television commercials throughout her career.
Acting career
Storm made her television debut in 2007 on the M-Net soap opera Egoli, playing Bienkie Naude, a role previously associated with Esta Terblanche.
Her credits include:
Film | Role |
Wild at Heart (2010) | Sammi |
Egoli: The Movie (2010) | Bienkie |
Jakhalsdan (2010) | Vanessa Ruiters |
Eternity (2010) | Lisa |
Survivor SA: Santa Carolina (2010) | Herself |
Ek Lief Jou / I Love You (2011) | Lisa Sneiders |
Stealing Time (2013) | - |
Kite (2014) | Sawa's mother |
Alles Wat Mal Is (2014) | Elzaan Mostert |
Die Spook van Uniondale (2014) | Miempie Crouse |
She also owns and manages the production company Hailmary.
Who is James Small?
James Small was one of South Africa's most celebrated Springbok wingers. He made his Test debut against the All Blacks in 1992 and played his last Test against Scotland in 1997. Over that period, he earned 47 Springbok caps and scored 20 Test tries.
Small was part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and was known as the "bad boy" of South African rugby.
Source: Getty Images
Christina Storm and James Small's relationship
Storm and Small were in a relationship for approximately ten years, marked by frequent breakups and reconciliations. Storm later accused Small of domestic violence, which ultimately ended the relationship. The couple have one daughter together, Ruby Cina Small.
James Small's death and funeral
James Small died on 10 July 2019, aged 50, after suffering a heart attack in Johannesburg. An autopsy confirmed ischaemic heart disease as the cause of death, with no suspicious circumstances found.
His funeral was held on 18 July 2019 at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg. Approximately 300 mourners attended to pay their respects.
Christina Storm's husband and children
Christina Storm is married to businessman Paul Nel. They met shortly after her separation from James Small, dated for about seven months, and then got engaged.
The couple married on 9 October 2013. Nel is involved in events management and technical production, with business interests including MassAV Management, Oasis Lodge, Café Mexicho, Showco, and Presentech.
Who are Christina Storm's children?
The South African actress has four children. Her eldest, Ruby Cina Small (born approximately 2005), is her daughter with James Small.
Christina's two biological children with Paul Nel are daughter Eve (born September 2014, now 11) and son Vince (born 5 December 2016, now 9). Storm also has Erin as a stepdaughter from Paul Nel's previous relationship.
Christina Storm's mental health journey
interview with YOU Magazine, she disclosed that she had experienced depression and panic attacks. She said:
"Never in my life did I think I'd suffer from mental illness. I have this happy disposition. Life has always been fun for me. But here I am now."
She also entered a rehabilitation programme during this period. Storm described the years following his death as a difficult time of emotional recovery.
Christina Storm's net worth
Christina's net worth has not been confirmed by any authoritative financial source. Her sources of income include:
- Commercial modelling (200+ TV commercials)
- Acting in film and television
- Production company Hailmary
FAQ
- Who is Christina Storm married to? Christina is married to businessman Paul Nel. They wed on 9 October 2013 in Johannesburg after a whirlwind romance.
- How many children does Christina Storm have? She has four children: Ruby (with James Small), Eve and Vince (with Paul Nel), and stepdaughter Erin from Paul Nel's previous relationship.
- Who is James Small's wife? James Small and Christina Storm were never married. They had a long-term on-and-off relationship for about ten years. Small died on 10 July 2019 without having married Storm.
- What ethnicity is Christina Storm? The actress is of English descent, making her a white South African. She was born in Pretoria and grew up partly in Namibia before moving to Johannesburg.
- When did James Small die? He died on 10 July 2019, aged 50, from a heart attack in Johannesburg. His funeral was held on 18 July 2019 at the Wanderers Club.
- How old is Christina Storm in 2026? She was born on 1 April 1974, making her 52 years old in 2026.
- Did Christina Storm appear on Survivor South Africa? Yes. Christina Storm participated in Survivor SA: Santa Carolina in 2010 as a celebrity contestant.
From the fashion industry to the film industry, Christina Storm has built a name for herself. With vast experience in filmography, she now owns and manages a production company, Hailmary. Christina currently resides in Johannesburg, with her husband Paul Nel and four children.
Briefly also featured the life of Mfundi Vundla, a prominent South African television creator, best known for the popular soap opera Generations. Returning from 21 years in exile, he transformed local media with stories focused on Black ambition.
Mfundi built a reputation as one of the country's most influential producers. He married Karen Vundla in 1976, and their son, Charlie Vundla, is a filmmaker.
Source: Briefly News
