Inside Hazel Irvine's love life from private wedding at 43 to baby announcement

Hazel Irvine is a regular face on our screens and has presented everything from snooker to golf to the Olympics, but she likes to keep her private life very much away from the cameras.

By Michelle Marshall, Senior Showbiz Reporter

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Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, Hazel Irvine lead the BBC's Coverage of the Paris Olympics (Image: BBC)

The Paris Olympics have kicked off in 2024 keeping us all captivated whether we're tuning in from the comfort of our homes or enjoying a pint at the local pub. Hazel Irvine, the Scottish sports host who has covered everything from snooker and golf to the Olympics marks her fifth time presenting the Olympics - she previously hosted the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2018 Winter Olympics and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

But one thing fans of the presenter will know is that she prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. There are a few things you might not know about the TV host.

Hazel was born in St Andrews in Scotland and went on to study History of Art at university. But she always had a passion for sports and was a regular member of her university's netball, golf and athletics teams.

Speaking to the Mail in 2019, the host said: "As a child, I spent my pocket money on stickers for an Olympics sticker book."

She added: "I had a very happy childhood doing sport and outdoor stuff. My dad, Bill, made this half-size snooker table for my brother and me as kids, and Mum crocheted the pockets!"

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Hazel Irving's hosting the Olympics 2024 for the fifth time (Image: Ayrshire Post)

However, it wasn't until 1988 that the 56 year old began her career in radio and TV, guest hosting the 1988 Olympics and the 1990 World Cup.

In 2008, Hazel tied the knot with her long-term beau in what was a surprise move to many, given that at 43, they had been an item for quite some time. However, it seemed the stars aligned and it "felt like the right time" for them.

Opting for intimacy, they exchanged vows in a private Scottish ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest. At the time of her wedding, Hazel confirmed that she and her partner were "very happy".

She shared a statement that said: "I can confirm that she married her long-term partner a few months ago. It was a small and very private affair, and she and her husband are very happy. She wants to keep all the details private."

The following year, Hazel made an exciting announcement and welcomed a daughter, which she announced at a charity sports quiz in London. She told the audience she had her "own credit crunch looming".

She said: "My clothes are already feeling the squeeze. My husband and I have a new arrival coming in the spring - which is going to be a drain on my own profits."

Formerly residents of Scotland, the family has since upped sticks to London. No doubt, they're keeping active and embracing a sporty lifestyle!

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