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OLI Bell is a sports presenter and broadcaster, best known for his work covering horse racing on ITV.
Here we take a look at his background and career, as well as his relationship with Francesca Cumani.
Oli Bell’s career in sports presenting started when he was a 15-year-old schoolboyRexWho is Oli Bell?
Oli Bell was born on April 28, 1987, in Glastonbury, England.
He has established himself as one of the brightest faces in horse racing coverage.
Oli joined the ITV Sport team in January 2017, going on to become one of the channel’s top horse racing presenters.
He fronts the Saturday morning magazine The Opening Show and serves as a relief presenter and reporter for other racing coverage.
One of the most iconic moments in his career to date came when the late Queen jokingly called him a “lunatic” when the pair crossed paths at Royal Ascot in 2017.
Oli was overcome with joy when his uncle scored a winner with Big Orange.
Completely forgetting his reporting duties, he sprinted after the horse after it passed the finishing line to celebrate the victory, dropping his mic in the process.
The next day, Oli was in the paddock interviewing the trainers before each race, when he got a tap on the shoulder from the Queen’s racing adviser John Warren, who told him there was someone who would like to meet him.
Minutes later, Oli saw Queen Elizabeth II walking towards him and the two were introduced.
“You’re the lunatic that ran on the track yesterday,” she said to him, to which Oli replied: “Yes I am.”
Oli said of the hilarious incident: “It was like having a dream. It was just completely bonkers.”
Previous jobs
Oli‘s career in broadcasting began at a young age.
He secured the breakfast show slot at his school’s local radio station when he was 15.
By 16, he was working as a live radio reporter at top sporting events including the Burghley Horse Trials, British Touring Car Championships and the Land Rover G4 Challenge.
You’re the lunatic that ran on the track yesterday
Queen Elizabeth IIHis big break in horse racing coverage came when he joined Racing UK (now Racing TV) at the age of 18 as an editorial assistant.
He worked his way up through the ranks, gaining experience and honing his skills.
Oli took a job with Sky Racing World in Australia at the age of 22.
Upon returning to the UK, he joined ITV Racing in 2017, where he has become one of their key presenters.
Oli’s dad Rupert
RexRupert Bell — Oli’s dad — is also a well-known sports commentator.
He has been a prominent figure in racing media for several decades, working primarily in radio.
Rupert has been a regular voice on talkSPORT and has covered major racing events for BBC Radio.
His career has also included work for Sky Sports and various other media outlets.
This family connection to the horse racing world has often led to misconceptions about Oli’s career path.
Many assume that his father’s influence opened doors for him in the industry.
Social media - Refer to sourceHowever, Oli has been keen to correct this assumption, emphasising that his relationship with his father actually developed more through his work in racing than vice versa.
Where he grew up
Oli wasn’t immersed in the world of horse racing from a young age.
He grew up away from the horses and racing environment associated with his father’s side of the family.
He was raised by his mother in Somerset.
Relationship with Francesca Cumani
Oli was previously in a relationship with his ITV Racing co-presenter Francesca Cumani — a former amateur jockey and daughter of trainer Luca Cumani,
She also works as a presenter for ITV Racing, having joined the channel in 2016.
The couple began dating in 2018 after Francesca split from her Australian polo player husband Rob Archibald.
Ahead of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, Oli and Francesca called time on their romance.
Despite the breakup, they have continued to work together on ITV Racing, maintaining a friendly and professional on-screen relationship.
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