“Don’t be alarmed”: Better Homes and Gardens star makes shock announcement
Better Homes and Gardens star Karen Martini has announced she will be “stepping back” from her role on the program.
After almost two decades on the show, the 52-year-old admitted she has “so much on my plate” this year as she balances a range of different projects.
The chef and restaurateur will be taking a break from the show to focus on work, while also making more time for her teenage daughters, Stella, 17, and Amber, 15.
She told 7News, “With my two new restaurants— Johnny’s Green Room already open and Saint George set to launch soon — as well as so many other projects on the go, 2024 is shaping up to be my busiest year ever.”
“My daughters are in their last teenage years too — it’s quite daunting as Stella is in year 12 and also on her Ls.”
“With so much on my plate, I’ve made the decision to step back from Better Homes and Gardens (BHAG) this year while I focus on some of my other exciting projects.”
“So don’t be alarmed if I’m not in your living room every Friday night.”
Karen will continue to make the occasional guest appearance on the show, but will not feature in every episode.
After the news of Karen’s departure was announced on the Better Homes & Gardens Instagram account, longtime viewers shared their messages of support to the chef in her next ventures.
One person wrote, “Been watching since you joined in 2007 and I’ve loved watching you in the kitchen. All the best.”
The 52-year-old also shared her excitement over the newest addition to the Better Homes line-up: chef and MKR judge Colin Fassnidge.
“I’m so excited that my mate Colin Fassnidge is entering the Better Homes kitchen,” she went on.
“I think his cheeky flavour is sure to spice up the show and I can’t wait to see him on air when we are back on Friday, February 2.”
Image credits: Instagram