For over a decade, fans of HGTV’s hit home renovation series *Love It or List It* have tuned in to watch the dynamic between designer Hillary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin. Their contrasting personalities—one passionate about transforming homes, the other focused on finding better ones—made for compelling television. But viewers began noticing a change: Hillary’s presence became less frequent, then eventually disappeared from new episodes. So, why isn’t Hillary on *Love It or List It* anymore? The answer involves health, personal priorities, and behind-the-scenes shifts that reshaped the show’s future.
Health Challenges Behind the Scenes
One of the most significant reasons Hillary Farr stepped back from the spotlight was due to ongoing health issues. In interviews, she has openly discussed suffering from severe migraines and chronic pain, conditions that worsened under the physical and mental demands of filming a high-pressure renovation show.
Filming *Love It or List It* involves long days on construction sites, managing contractors, making rapid design decisions, and maintaining a polished on-camera presence—all while adhering to tight deadlines. For someone dealing with neurological pain, this environment can be debilitating.
“Working through constant pain became unsustainable. I had to choose my health over the job I loved.” — Hillary Farr, in a 2021 interview with *Toronto Star*
This candid admission shed light on the hidden toll reality TV can take on its stars. While producers initially accommodated her needs with adjusted schedules and remote planning, the nature of the show made full participation increasingly difficult.
The Show’s Evolution and Production Shifts
As Hillary’s availability declined, the production team faced a critical decision: pause the show or adapt. They chose adaptation. Starting around Season 17, viewers noticed more episodes featuring guest designers stepping in to fill Hillary’s role. Names like Page Turner, Jillian Harris, and Sabrina Smelko appeared as rotating design leads.
This shift marked a turning point. Rather than recasting permanently, the producers restructured the format to allow flexibility. The core dynamic—renovation vs. relocation—remained, but the “designer” role became episodic rather than fixed. This allowed the show to continue without relying on a single personality.
David Visentin remained the consistent face of the real estate side, maintaining continuity for fans. However, the absence of Hillary’s strong design voice and emotional investment in renovations changed the show’s tone. Many longtime viewers noted that the chemistry wasn’t quite the same.
What Is Hillary Doing Now?
Since stepping away from regular filming, Hillary has focused on rebuilding her quality of life. She relocated from Toronto to a quieter home in North Carolina, seeking a slower pace and a climate that better supports her health.
She remains involved in design through consulting work and occasional media appearances. In 2023, she launched an online interior design course titled *Design Your Life*, aimed at helping homeowners make confident choices without hiring professionals. The program emphasizes practicality, personal style, and emotional connection to space—hallmarks of her approach on the show.
Additionally, Hillary has become an advocate for migraine awareness. She collaborates with health organizations to promote research and support for chronic pain sufferers, using her platform to destigmatize invisible illnesses.
A Closer Look: Timeline of Her Exit
Understanding Hillary’s departure requires looking at the gradual timeline of her reduced involvement:
- 2018–2019: First public mentions of health struggles during promotional interviews.
- 2020: Missed several episodes; guest designers introduced.
- 2021: Announced reduced role; cited need for medical rest and lifestyle changes.
- 2022: No new episodes filmed with Hillary; production confirms format change.
- 2023–Present: Officially no longer part of the regular cast; show continues with rotating designers.
This phased exit allowed fans time to adjust and prevented abrupt cancellation. It also preserved goodwill between Hillary, the network, and the audience.
Viewer Reactions and Fan Impact
The response from the fanbase was mixed but largely empathetic. Social media saw an outpouring of support for Hillary, with hashtags like #WeMissHillary trending after early reports of her absence.
Many viewers expressed disappointment in the new format, noting that the original tension between Hillary and David was irreplaceable. Others appreciated the show’s resilience and welcomed fresh design perspectives.
| Aspect | Original Show (With Hillary) | New Format (Rotating Designers) |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics | Strong, established chemistry | Inconsistent, lacks depth |
| Design Consistency | Coherent style evolution | Variability across episodes |
| Emotional Investment | High—viewers rooted for outcomes | Moderate—less personal connection |
| Production Stability | Steady, predictable | Flexible but uncertain |
Expert Insight on Reality TV Burnout
Hillary’s experience is not unique in the world of reality television. Long-term exposure to high-stress environments, public scrutiny, and demanding production schedules often leads to burnout.
“Reality TV stars are expected to perform under extreme conditions, often without adequate downtime. When health becomes a priority, stepping away isn’t quitting—it’s self-preservation.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Media Psychologist & Author of *The Reality Effect*
This insight underscores a broader conversation about the sustainability of long-running reality shows and the well-being of their hosts.
FAQ
Is Hillary Farr coming back to *Love It or List It*?
As of 2024, there are no official plans for Hillary to return as a regular co-host. While she hasn’t ruled out a guest appearance, she has stated that her focus remains on health and personal projects.
Why did David Visentin stay but Hillary leave?
David’s role primarily involves client meetings, property tours, and negotiations—activities that are less physically taxing than managing construction sites. His ability to maintain a consistent schedule made his continued participation feasible.
Are there any spin-offs featuring Hillary?
Not currently. However, she has expressed interest in developing a wellness-focused lifestyle series in the future, potentially combining design and mental health themes.
Actionable Checklist: Supporting Mental and Physical Health in High-Demand Careers
If you’re in a high-pressure profession—whether in media, design, or any fast-paced field—consider these steps to protect your well-being:
- Set clear boundaries between work and personal time.
- Schedule regular medical check-ins, especially for chronic conditions.
- Advocate for flexible work arrangements when needed.
- Seek therapy or counseling to manage stress and decision fatigue.
- Don’t hesitate to step back if your health is at risk.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures
Hillary Farr may no longer be on *Love It or List It*, but her influence on home design television remains undeniable. She helped shape a genre that blends emotional storytelling with practical transformation, inspiring countless homeowners to reimagine their spaces.
Her departure wasn’t due to drama or conflict, but a courageous choice to prioritize health—a decision that deserves respect, not speculation. The show continues, but for many fans, it will always feel incomplete without her vision and passion.
As audiences, we can honor her legacy by supporting creators who value authenticity over endurance, and by recognizing that sometimes, the strongest move is to walk away with grace.








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