Surprising reality star is announced as new host of 7Bravo as Nicole Kidman's niece Lucia Hawley quits TV role

Channel Seven has announced former Bachelor star Bella Varelis will be the new host of 7Bravo.

Bella, who was runner-up 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 will be replacing outgoing host Lucia Hawley, who is Nicole Kidman's niece and the daughter of her sister Antonia.

Bella expressed her excitement after the announcement was made on Sunday, saying she is looking forward to stepping into the role.

'It's a dream come true to become the host of 7Bravo and the face of such an iconic global brand that I grew up watching,' she said.

'I'm beyond excited. It's going to be an incredible year of entertainment, glamour, style and magical moments.'

Bella will step into the role as host of 7Bravo and Live From E! in January 2025. 

She will also be featured on Bravo New Zealand.

NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and Distribution, Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Chris Taylor, said: 'We are thrilled to have Bella step into this much-coveted role, becoming the new host of 7Bravo and the face of the iconic Live From E! red carpet coverage in Australia

'As a familiar face on 7Bravo, we have every confidence that her on-screen warmth, energy, style and expertise will continue to resonate strongly with audiences and talent alike.'

Channel Seven said 'Lucia is departing the role at the end of this year to explore other opportunities' after two years.

The announcement comes just one month after Lucia made headlines for looking unimpressed aftter she missed out on an interview with Wicked star Ariana Grande.

At the Sydney premiere of the hit musical film in November, the roving entertainment reporter was spotted looking downcast just moments after the American popstar, 31, passed right by her on the red carpet. 

Lucia stood on the sidelines with a microphone in hand ready to talk to the singer and actress.

She looked irritated as the singer sauntered by her, before signing autographs with fans.

Lucia's mood seemed to only sour further when rival network Nine managed to pull Ariana aside for a coveted chat.

A glance at 7Bravo's social media accounts show Lucia was only able to nab an interview with Ariana's beau Ethan Slater, who plays a minor character in the movie.

She also spoke with actor Jeff Goldblum, who portrayed the Wizard, and actress Marissa Bode, who played Nessarose. 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Lucia for comment.

Lucia started her TV career after studying Arts at the elite University of Sydney.

Following her degree and internship at Vogue Australia, she started working at a production company as an assistant and later applied for a job at 9Honey — Channel Nine's women's network.

She eventually landed a role with NBC Universal - who launched 7Bravo in 2022.