Surprising reality star is announced as new host of 7Bravo as Nicole Kidman’s niece Lucia Hawley quits TV role
Channel Seven has announced that former Bachelor star Bella Varelis will be the new host of 7Bravo.
Bella, who placed second on Locky’s Gilbert’s season of The Bachelor, will be the channel’s new local host and the face of Live From E! red carpet events in Australia.
The 26-year-old replaces outgoing host Lucia Hawley, Nicole Kidman’s niece and her sister Antonia’s daughter.
Bella expressed her excitement after the announcement was made on Sunday, saying she is looking forward to stepping into the role.
“Becoming the host of 7Bravo and the face of such an iconic global brand that I watched as a child is a dream come true,” she said.
‘I’m beyond excited. It will be an incredible year full of entertainment, glamour, style and magical moments.”
Channel Seven has announced that former Bachelor star Bella Varelis (pictured) will be the new host of 7Bravo
Bella will serve as host of 7Bravo and Live From E! in January 2025.
She will also appear on Bravo New Zealand.
Chris Taylor, Managing Director of NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and Distribution, Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are thrilled to have Bella step into this coveted role and become the new host of 7Bravo and the face of the iconic Live From E! red carpet coverage in Australia
“As a familiar face at 7Bravo, we are confident that her warmth, energy, style and on-screen expertise will continue to resonate strongly with audiences and talent alike.”
Channel Seven said: ‘Lucia will leave the role at the end of this year to explore other opportunities’ after two years.
The announcement comes just a month after Lucia made headlines for appearing unimpressed after missing an interview with Wicked star Ariana Grande.
At the Sydney premiere of the hit musical film in November, the roving entertainment reporter was seen looking dejected just moments after the American pop star, 31, walked past her on the red carpet.
Lucia stood on the sidelines with a microphone in hand, ready to talk to the singer and actress.
Channel Seven said: ‘Lucia Hawley (pictured) will leave the role at the end of this year to explore other opportunities’ after two years
She looked irritated as the singer strolled past her before signing autographs to fans.
Lucia’s mood only seemed to deteriorate further when rival network Nine managed to pull Ariana aside for a coveted interview.
A look at 7Bravo’s social media accounts shows that Lucia was only able to secure an interview with Ariana’s boyfriend Ethan Slater, who plays a minor character in the film.
She also spoke with actor Jeff Goldblum, who played the wizard, and actress Marissa Bode, who played Nessarose.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Lucia for comment.
Lucia started her TV career after studying art at the elite University of Sydney.
After studying and interning at Vogue Australia, she worked as an assistant at a production company and later applied for a job at 9Honey, Channel Nine’s women’s network.
She eventually landed a role at NBC Universal, which launched 7Bravo in 2022.