Austrian presenters battle to bag the 'real Bruno' title

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Bruno Mania: Does Bruno really exist?

A battle of the Brunos has broken out between two gay Austrian TV presenters over who has handbagged the title of the man who inspired Sascha Baron Cohen's latest comic character.

Camp chatshow host Alfons Haider thought he had already grabbed the crown after he was dubbed the real life Bruno last month, sending his career rocketing.

But now a second Austrian gay presenter has claimed: "No - I'm the real Bruno."

Adi Weiss - who presents a fashion show on Austria's ATV was said to have been spotted by Cohen on a visit to Austria.

"It's me," claimed Adi. "And to be honest I'm not complaining because I need publicity anyway for my show Miss Fluffy which starts on Monday."

But contender number one Alfons says he's proud to be gay, he presents the annual life ball Aids charity event fashion show and like Bruno he's also been known to compare himself to Zac Efron.

Alfons is a presenter on Austrian state broadcaster ORF and in the film, Bruno works for a channel called OJRF.

But Adi is fashion correspondent for bestselling tabloid Oesterreich and presents fashion shows on Austria's ATV.

He is also gay - and is also a fashion expert, like Bruno.

Haider's career slumped after he revealed he was gay but has been enjoying his new found fame since Bruno with the telephone ringing off the hook with requests for his services.

"It's been just the perfect thing for me. All of a sudden everyone wants to know me and to talk to me," he said.

"Bruno has made me the man of the moment and for that I'm very proud," he added.

"I'm a bit of a bitch like Bruno and I always make sure I get that interview," he explained.

The TV star is currently rehearsing for his starring role in the cross-dressing musical La Cage aux Folles.

The 51-year-old said: "I must say I'm slightly surprised yet flattered by all the attention, because I never had the slightest idea the character is like me.

"I am not scared it is going to harm my career at all. Sacha is a great actor and comedian and I am sure it will be hilarious when it comes out.

"But unlike Bruno I am not right-wing and I am not a fashion designer. I am the only openly gay host in Austria though so there is a similarity there."

Adi Weiss who has had reporters camped outside his Vienna home to question him over the Bruno connection said: "It was a secret, but now everybody knows.

"I am Bruno. I was the original model for the Austrian fashion journalist played by Sasha Baron Cohen that will be in the cinema in July."

Readers of the Austrian Times newspaper meanwhile voted Weiss the clear favourite in an online poll on the Battle of the Brunos and the star commented: "I didn't think they would vote for me as I am a fashion journalist but I'm not at all glamorous.

"Yes I look like him with my haircut and everything and if it's true he based it on me then I feel honoured.

"To go all the way to Hollywood with one's fame is really something. It's totally cool and I plan to celebrate my new success - but unlike Bruno it won't be with champagne and caviar - I want a beer and a schnitzel like any true Austrian."

 

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