ITV presenter apologises on live TV after trying to kiss female at Grand National

Callum Vurley
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:49:15 +0000

ITV Racing's Oli Bell found himself in a rather embarrassing situation during Thursday's live coverage from Aintree when he attempted to plant a kiss on a female racegoer – only to be firmly turned down.

The presenter, who also happens to be a keen poker player, was enjoying Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival when the cringe-worthy moment unfolded on air.

After leaning in towards a woman called Karen, Bell quickly realised his error and pulled back.

"I went in for a kiss there! Very presumptous of me, Karen, I'm so sorry," he said, clearly red-faced by the whole exchange.

Bell had been working alongside fellow presenter Samantha Quek, with the pair chatting to elegantly dressed women who were soaking up the sunshine with drinks in hand.

One racegoer had been telling Quek how she'd snapped up her ticket back in January to make sure she didn't miss out on the action.

It was then that Quek turned her attention to Bell, who had been hovering somewhat awkwardly nearby.

"Talking about being left out, Oli, you're looking a little bit lonely," she teased.

Taking the hint, Bell moved closer to the group and struck up a conversation with Karen – though things quickly took an unexpected turn when he misread the situation entirely.

Karen's response was brilliantly blunt: "We've only just met! You need to buy me a drink!"

Never one to miss a beat, Bell swiftly handed her a glass of champagne and quipped: "Here you go, have that. Actually, you're double-parked now, Karen."

It's fair to say this year's festival has delivered plenty of memorable moments already.

On day one, trainer Joe O'Shea left viewers in stitches after his horse Barton Snow won the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Steeplechase at odds of 7/4.

When asked about his plans for the victorious horse, an emotional O'Shea declared: "I don't know. I'm going to sleep with him. I'm just going to marry him. He's brilliant."