7 Shocking Reasons Why Hilary Farr Left 'Love It Or List It' And Her Explosive New Chapter
The question of "What happened to Hilary Farr on Love It or List It?" has been the most persistent mystery for HGTV fans since the show's massive shake-up. As of late 2023, the beloved British-Canadian designer and television host officially closed the door on her 19-season run with the hit renovation-vs-real-estate show, a move that sent shockwaves through the home design community. This article, updated for late 2025, dives deep into the true, multifaceted reasons behind her monumental decision to step away from her iconic rivalry with co-host David Visentin and reveals the exciting new projects that now define her career.
The departure of Hilary Farr marks the end of an era for the long-running series, which has entertained millions with its signature blend of design drama and friendly competition. Her exit was not sudden but a deliberate choice to prioritize new challenges, creative freedom, and, most importantly, her personal well-being, including a quiet, decade-long battle with cancer that profoundly influenced her perspective on her professional life.
Hilary Farr: Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Hilary Farr is more than just the sharp-witted designer from *Love It or List It*; she is a multifaceted professional with a storied career spanning interior design, real estate, and even acting. Her journey to becoming one of HGTV's most recognizable faces is a testament to her enduring passion for transformative design and her entrepreneurial spirit.
- Full Name: Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow)
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1952
- Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (though she is a British-Canadian citizen, born in Toronto and raised in the UK)
- Nationality: British-Canadian
- Marital Status: Divorced (formerly married to Gordon Farr)
- Children: Two sons, Josh and Kyle
- Early Career: Began her career in London, renovating properties, before moving to Los Angeles. She was involved in set design and art direction for various films in the 1970s and 1980s, even appearing as a minor actress in films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Layout for 5 Models (1972).
- Design Career: Founded Hilary Farr Design, a successful interior design and renovation company, with projects spanning North America and the UK.
- Television Debut: Became the co-host and resident designer on *Love It or List It* (HGTV) in 2010.
- Signature Style: Known for her luxurious, sophisticated, and functional designs, often incorporating high-end finishes and open-concept layouts.
The Real Reasons Hilary Farr Left 'Love It or List It'
After 19 seasons and over 250 episodes of the show, Hilary Farr’s departure in late 2023 was a carefully considered decision. She publicly stated that she needed to move on to new challenges, but the full story involves a mix of professional ambition, personal fatigue, and a serious health journey. These are the primary factors that led to her exit from the series.
1. A Need for New Creative Challenges and Autonomy
One of the most significant reasons for Hilary Farr’s departure was her desire for greater creative control and a fresh professional direction. After nearly two decades of the same format—renovating a home to convince owners to "Love It"—the routine had become creatively restrictive. The repetitive nature of the show, where she was constantly pitted against David Visentin's real estate agenda, limited her ability to pursue more complex and personal design projects.
Her focus shifted to her own solo HGTV series, *Tough Love with Hilary Farr*, which premiered in 2021. This show allows her to tackle deeper, more complex family dynamics that directly influence the design process, offering a more meaningful connection to her work and a broader scope for her design philosophy.
2. The Toll of a Grueling Production Schedule
Filming a show like *Love It or List It* is an incredibly demanding process. Hilary Farr revealed that the production schedule was consuming too much of her life, making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance and pursue other passions. The constant travel, long hours on set, and the pressure of meeting tight renovation deadlines for multiple homeowners became unsustainable.
She emphasized that she was ready to reclaim her time and energy, stating she had "given it so many years of [her] life." This decision was a powerful statement about prioritizing personal well-being over the demands of a high-profile television career.
3. Her Private Cancer Battle and Health Priorities
Perhaps the most compelling and personal reason for her exit was her private battle with cancer. Hilary Farr was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and she underwent multiple rounds of treatment, including two lumpectomies and radiation. This serious health challenge profoundly changed her perspective on life and work.
She disclosed that the cancer diagnosis was a major factor in her decision to step back from the high-stress environment of *Love It or List It*. The experience of facing mortality made her realize the importance of using her remaining time on projects that were truly fulfilling and less taxing on her physical and mental health. This revelation provided a deeper, more emotional context for her departure, highlighting her strength and resilience.
4. The Evolution of Her Relationship with David Visentin
While the on-screen banter and playful rivalry between Hilary Farr and co-host David Visentin were the heart of the show, their relationship, while genuine, was central to the show's long-running format. Their dynamic—the designer versus the real estate agent—was the core conflict. Stepping away from *Love It or List It* allowed Hilary to move beyond this established, competitive dynamic and explore new collaborative relationships in her independent work.
Despite the separation, both Farr and Visentin have expressed mutual respect and affection, confirming their friendship remains strong off-camera. Their professional separation was simply a natural evolution for two individuals with differing career goals.
5. Focusing on Her Solo Series: 'Tough Love with Hilary Farr'
The creation and success of *Tough Love with Hilary Farr* solidified her decision to leave her previous role. The show, which focuses on helping families navigate life-altering challenges through home renovation, is a project where she serves as both designer and life coach. This format offers a deeper, more personal connection to the homeowners and allows her to showcase her full range of skills, not just as a designer but as a mentor and motivator. The show is a clear indication that she is not retiring from television but pivoting to a more creatively satisfying role.
The Future of 'Love It or List It' and Hilary's Legacy
Hilary Farr's legacy on *Love It or List It* is undeniable; she set the standard for high-stakes, transformative home design on television. Her departure left a massive void, but HGTV has already announced its plan to continue the series.
In a major update for the show’s fans, HGTV has revealed that designer Page Turner, known for her work on *Fix My Flip*, will be joining David Visentin as the new co-host for the upcoming season, set to return in 2025. This move demonstrates the network's commitment to the show's format while introducing a fresh dynamic to the beloved franchise. The new team will attempt to recreate the magic that Hilary and David perfected over nearly two decades.
For Hilary Farr, the future is focused on her passion projects, design firm, and continued work on *Tough Love with Hilary Farr*. Her decision to leave was a bold, necessary step to ensure her career remains aligned with her personal values and health priorities, proving that even after 19 seasons, it's never too late to love a new challenge.
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