Scottish BBC star Hazel Irvine's life away from TV - secret wedding and baby at 43
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Hazel Irvine, a stalwart of the BBC for over 30 years and the face of snooker coverage since 2000, is recognised as a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting - being one of the first women to host such programmes on the BBC.
Despite her preference for keeping her personal life private, there are some lesser-known details about the Scottish presenter. Born in St Andrews, Scotland, Hazel studied History of Art at university but her passion for sports was clear as she was an active member of her university's netball, golf and athletics teams.
In a chat with the Mail in 2019, Hazel revealed: "As a child, I spent my pocket money on stickers for an Olympics sticker book.
"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!".
Her career in radio and television didn't kick off until 1988 when she was 59, guest hosting the 1988 Olympics and the 1990 World Cup, reports the Mirror.
In what came as a surprise to many, Hazel tied the knot with her long-term partner in 2008. Despite their lengthy relationship, it seemed that they felt the time was right to marry when she was 43.
Opting for a more intimate ceremony, the couple exchanged vows in a quaint Scottish setting, surrounded by loved ones. At her wedding, Hazel happily announced that she and her husband were "very happy".
Her statement confirmed: "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."
In the following year, Hazel shared some blissful news during a London charity sports quiz, hinting at their expanding family by joking about her "own credit crunch looming".
Delving further, she quipped: "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."
Having relocated from Scotland to London, Hazel's family seems to be embracing the city life, enjoying a myriad of sports and activities in their new home.
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