Bella Varelis scores her ‘dream’ TV role as the new local host of 7Bravo and Live From E! red carpet events

The Bachelor star and social media influencer Bella Varelis has been announced as the new local host of 7Bravo and the face of Live From E! red carpet events in Australia.

The star, who was runner-up in Locky Gilbert’s season of The Bachelor Australia in 2020, turns 30 on Thursday and said she was looking forward to stepping into her dream role.

“I used to (watch) Live From E! when I was a little girl, so this is a dream come true for me,” she said.

“I grew up watching (US E! News presenter) Giuliana Rancic, and I mean, she was the red carpet queen!

“She was reporting on fashion and reporting on beauty, and speaking to incredible people, and I said to my mum when I was little, ‘One day that will be me!’

“To say that I am going to be the face of 7Bravo and the host of Australia’s Live From E! red carpet coverage — it is such a ‘pinch me’ moment.

“I can’t wipe the smile off my face.”

Varelis, who starts her role in January, has been a regular face on the channel since February 2023 and has conducted interviews with big-name stars such as Eric Bana and Chris Hemsworth.

“This role is kind of a natural transition into doing that full-time,” she said.

“When I found out I’d be the host of 7Bravo and the face of Live From E! I was over the moon because it happened so naturally.”

Varelis says she is a big fan 7Bravo’s slate of iconic reality series, particularly The Real Housewives franchise and perennial favourite Below Deck.

“They are probably my top two I would say,” she said.

“I’m such an ocean baby, so anything to do with being on a yacht — and I just love seeing the chaos that the rich and famous get up to. There is always so much entertainment unfolding.”

She steps into the role after the departure of Nicole Kidman’s niece Lucia Hawley, who held the position for two years.