The Shocking Truth: 5 Reasons Why Hilary Farr Left 'Love It Or List It' After 19 Seasons
The iconic rivalry between designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin defined HGTV for nearly two decades, making their show, Love It or List It, a global phenomenon. However, as of late 2023, the dynamic duo came to an end, leaving millions of fans to wonder: What exactly happened to Hilary Farr?
The latest information, confirmed in late 2023 and early 2024, is that Hilary Farr officially exited Love It or List It after 19 seasons and over 250 episodes. Her departure was not due to a falling out or retirement, but rather a deliberate choice to pursue new creative challenges and escape a routine she felt was becoming "boring" and too demanding on her personal life. She remains an active force on HGTV with her solo series, *Tough Love With Hilary Farr*, and the network has since announced her replacement to continue the flagship show.
Hilary Farr: A Full Biography and Professional Profile
Before becoming a household name on HGTV, Hilary Farr had a fascinating and varied career that spanned acting, design, and business. Her extensive background provides the foundation for the "tough love" design philosophy she became famous for.
- Full Name: Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow)
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1951
- Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: British-Canadian
- Profession: Interior Designer, Businesswoman, Television Host, Former Actress
- Education: Attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, England.
- Design Firm: Hilary Farr Designs (previously operated a firm called Design Build)
- Spouse: Gordon Farr (m. 1982; div. 2008)
- Children: Two sons (one adopted)
- Notable Early Career: Farr was an actress in the 1970s, appearing in films such as the cult classic *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* (where she had a non-speaking role as a bride), *Sex Farm*, and *City on Fire*.
Farr’s passion for design began with property investment, where she started buying and renovating homes in London, Los Angeles, and New York. This hands-on experience in real estate and renovation eventually led her to establish her own design firm, focusing on high-end clientele and design-build projects before landing the co-hosting role on *Love It or List It* in 2008.
The Real Reasons Behind Hilary Farr's Departure
Hilary Farr’s decision to leave the show in late 2023 was a major shock to the HGTV community. After nearly two decades of witty banter and design transformations, she was ready to close that chapter. Here are the five core reasons she cited for her exit, providing a clear picture of her professional priorities in 2025.
1. The Need for New Creative Challenges (Escaping Boredom)
The primary reason for her departure was a desire for professional evolution. After 19 seasons, the format of *Love It or List It*—renovate, stage, and present the final decision—had become repetitive.
In interviews, Farr was candid, stating the show was "becoming boring" and that she didn't want to be bored in her career. She felt it was time to stretch her creative muscles in new directions and tackle different types of design problems that a fixed format couldn't accommodate.
2. The Demands on Her Personal Life and Time
Filming a long-running reality series like *Love It or List It* is incredibly time-consuming, often requiring extensive travel and long hours. Farr openly discussed the toll the production schedule was taking on her personal life.
She mentioned that the show was "taking up too much of my life," suggesting a need for a better work-life balance after years of dedication to the series. This desire for more personal time was a significant factor in her decision to step away from the demanding co-hosting role.
3. Focusing on Her Solo Series: 'Tough Love With Hilary Farr'
Hilary Farr has not left television entirely. In fact, she is deeply committed to her solo HGTV series, *Tough Love With Hilary Farr*, which premiered in 2021.
This show allows her to delve deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of home design, tackling families whose dysfunctional houses are straining their relationships. The format gives her more creative control and a more focused role as a design mentor, which aligns better with her current professional goals. The show has been successful, having been renewed for a second season, confirming her continued presence on the network.
4. The Need for a Clean Break from the David Visentin Rivalry
While their on-screen chemistry was the heart of the show, the constant, scripted rivalry with real estate agent David Visentin was a core element of the *Love It or List It* formula. Farr’s move to a solo series suggests a shift away from this competitive dynamic.
Although both hosts confirmed their deep, genuine friendship off-camera, the continuous back-and-forth was part of the repetitive cycle Farr wished to break. Her new show, *Tough Love*, focuses entirely on her design expertise and mentoring, removing the need for a co-host rivalry.
5. A Desire to Expand the Hilary Farr Designs Brand
Beyond television, Farr is a businesswoman with her own product line, Hilary Farr Designs. Her departure from the rigorous filming schedule of *Love It or List It* frees up time to focus on her entrepreneurial endeavors.
This includes expanding her line of home products, such as rugs, furniture, and other decor items, allowing her to influence the design world outside of the constraints of a TV renovation budget.
The Future of 'Love It or List It' and Who Replaced Hilary
Despite Hilary Farr’s departure, the HGTV flagship series *Love It or List It* is not going anywhere. The show is continuing with a major revamp, retaining the core conflict between design and real estate.
David Visentin Stays On
Longtime real estate agent and co-host David Visentin has returned to the series. The show continues to rely on his expertise in the housing market and his playful, yet genuine, sparring with the new designer.
Visentin has expressed his support for Farr’s decision and is ready to embrace the new dynamic, ensuring that the spirit of the show—the ultimate homeowner decision—remains intact.
The New Designer: Page Turner
HGTV has officially tapped network fan-favorite Page Turner to step into the designer role alongside David Visentin for the show's 20th season.
Turner is a well-known real estate broker and house-flipping expert who has previously starred in other HGTV hits like *Fix My Flip* and *Rock the Block*. Her background ensures she brings a fresh perspective and a competitive edge to the classic "love it" versus "list it" battle, promising a new era of design and real estate drama for the series.
Hilary Farr’s Lasting Legacy on HGTV
Hilary Farr’s 19-season run on *Love It or List It* solidified her status as one of the most influential interior designers on television. She brought a unique blend of elegance, practicality, and "tough love" honesty to her clients.
Her legacy is defined by her ability to transform cramped, dysfunctional spaces into open, luxurious, and highly livable homes. While fans will miss the iconic chemistry with David Visentin, her continued work on *Tough Love With Hilary Farr* ensures her design philosophy and engaging personality will remain a staple on HGTV for years to come.
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