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5 Shocking Reasons Why Hilary Farr Left Love It Or List It (The Untold Cancer Battle Story)

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The departure of Hilary Farr from HGTV’s beloved series *Love It or List It* sent shockwaves through the home renovation community, leaving millions of fans wondering what could possibly pull the celebrated designer away after 19 seasons and 15 years of witty banter with co-host David Visentin. As of late December 2025, the official reasons are far more personal and poignant than simple career ambition, centering on a profound need to prioritize health and personal time.

The truth behind Farr's decision is a multi-layered story of personal reflection, a desire for new creative outlets, and the shocking revelation of a private, multi-year battle with breast cancer. Her exit wasn't a sudden, dramatic exit, but a deliberate choice to "take joy out of every day" and step away from a demanding filming schedule that consumed too much of her life.

Hilary Farr: A Quick Biography and Career Profile

Before she became the iconic interior designer who could transform the most dilapidated homes, Hilary Farr (born Hilary Elizabeth Labow) had a diverse career that spanned continents and industries.

  • Full Name: Hilary Elizabeth Labow Farr
  • Date of Birth: August 31, 1951
  • Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: British-Canadian
  • Primary Occupations: Interior Designer, Businesswoman, Television Host, Former Actress.
  • Early Career Highlights:
    • Began renovating homes in Los Angeles, California, after moving there.
    • Worked in film and television, designing sets and engaging in art direction.
    • Had a small, uncredited acting role in the 1975 cult classic film, *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, as a bride.
    • Founded the Toronto-based design and renovation company, Hilary Farr Design.
  • HGTV Tenure: Co-host of *Love It or List It* from 2008 to 2023.

The Real Reasons Hilary Farr Chose to 'List' Her HGTV Life

Hilary Farr’s departure, announced in late 2023, was the culmination of years of thought and a growing awareness of life’s preciousness. While the official statement cited a desire for new challenges, Farr later opened up about the deeper, more personal factors that drove her decision.

The Secret Health Battle: Prioritizing Life Over Work

The most compelling and least-known factor in her exit was her private struggle with breast cancer. Farr revealed in 2021 that she had been fighting the disease for nearly a decade while filming the show.

Her journey began in 2012 when a routine mammogram detected a suspicious lump. She immediately underwent a lumpectomy, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Tragically, the cancer returned in 2015, requiring a second lumpectomy and a round of radiation therapy. She was working a relentless schedule on *Love It or List It* throughout this period, a commitment that forced her to keep the sensitive health matter private from the public.

This long, draining health battle fundamentally changed her perspective. She stated that the experience made her "very aware of really wanting to take joy out of every day," leading directly to the realization that the show's demanding schedule had to end.

The Need for New Challenges After 15 Years

While health was a major catalyst, Farr is, at her core, a creative businesswoman who thrives on innovation. After spending 15 years and over 250 episodes designing and renovating homes for the same series, she felt she had reached a creative plateau.

She expressed a clear desire to seek out "new challenges" and expand her creative horizons beyond the established format of *Love It or List It*. This was a professional decision driven by a desire for growth, not a falling out with the network or her co-host.

A Desire to Reclaim Personal Time

The production cycle for a major HGTV show is notoriously grueling, involving extensive travel, long filming days, and constant deadlines. Farr was candid that the show was "taking up too much of my life."

Her exit was about reclaiming the time to spend with family, pursue personal interests, and simply enjoy her life without the pressure of a full-time, high-demand television role. This desire for a better work-life balance was a key component of her decision to step away from the show that made her a household name.

The Future of 'Love It or List It' and Hilary's New Chapter

Hilary Farr’s departure did not mean the end of her career or the end of the iconic HGTV series. Both have moved into new, exciting chapters.

David Visentin’s Reaction and the New Co-Host

The famously playful rivalry between Farr and co-host David Visentin was a cornerstone of the show's success. Visentin, the real estate agent who always tried to convince homeowners to 'List It,' was initially in denial about her decision.

Farr recalled that when she told him she was done, "He didn't believe me. He said, 'Oh, you say that.'" Despite their on-screen antics, the two remain close friends.

In a major shakeup, HGTV announced that designer and host Page Turner, known for the series *Flip or Flop Nashville*, would be stepping in as the new co-host alongside David Visentin for Season 20. This change ensures the 'Love It or List It' franchise continues its legacy with a new dynamic.

Hilary’s Continuing Presence on HGTV

Fans who miss Hilary’s signature design style can still find her on the HGTV network. She continues to host her solo series, *Tough Love with Hilary Farr*.

This new show format allows Farr to tackle more complex, deep-seated issues within families whose homes are no longer working for them, offering a more emotionally resonant and challenging design experience than her previous role. She also recently returned to her acting roots, starring in the 2022 holiday film *Designing Christmas*.

In the end, Hilary Farr’s decision to leave *Love It or List It* was not a professional failure, but a powerful personal triumph. It was a choice to listen to her body, honor her creative spirit, and prioritize her well-being after years of dedication to a demanding television production. Her legacy as one of HGTV’s most influential and beloved designers is cemented, and her new chapter proves that sometimes, choosing to "list" a long-term commitment is the best path to "loving" your life.

5 Shocking Reasons Why Hilary Farr Left Love It or List It (The Untold Cancer Battle Story)
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why did hilary leave love it or list it

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  • Name : Raegan Bednar MD
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