5 Shocking Reasons Hilary Farr Left Love It Or List It After 19 Seasons (And Her New Life At 74)

The departure of Hilary Farr from HGTV's beloved home renovation and real estate show, Love It or List It, sent shockwaves through the design and television world in late 2023. After 19 seasons of sparring good-naturedly with co-host David Visentin, the British-Canadian design powerhouse announced she was stepping away from the show that made her a household name. Fans immediately began speculating: Was it a feud with David? Was she retiring? The truth, revealed in recent interviews as of December 18, 2025, is a combination of personal reflection, a demanding schedule, and a serious health battle that prompted a total re-evaluation of her priorities.

The reality is that after 15 years and over 250 episodes of the show, Farr, now in her seventies, felt it was time to embrace new challenges and, critically, to prioritize her well-being. Her decision to leave was not a sudden impulse but a deliberate choice to take back control of her time and focus on the things that bring her true joy, away from the relentless production schedule of a hit HGTV series. This move has opened the door to a new, more personal chapter in her career, focusing on passion projects and a healthier work-life balance.

Hilary Farr: A Complete Biographical Profile

Hilary Farr is more than just a designer; she is a businesswoman, television host, and even a former actress. Her career spans decades, long before she became an HGTV icon. Understanding her background sheds light on her decision to move on from a demanding television role.

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• Full Name: Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow)
• Nationality: British-Canadian
• Date of Birth: August 31, 1951
• Age (as of late 2025): 74 years old
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Early Life: Farr grew up in London, England, where she first developed an interest in the arts and theatre.
• Early Career: Before design, she had a brief career as an actress, notably appearing in films such as Layout for 5 Models (1972) and a small role in the iconic musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).
• Design Career: She began her career in interior design and home renovation in Los Angeles, later moving back to Toronto. She has renovated property across the world, including in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
• Television Career: Co-host of Love It or List It (2008–2023) alongside David Visentin. She also hosted her own solo show, Tough Love with Hilary Farr.

The Five Core Reasons Hilary Farr Decided to Leave Love It or List It

The speculation surrounding her departure was intense, but Hilary Farr has been candid about the multiple factors that led her to step away from the show after nearly two decades. Her reasons were deeply personal, professional, and health-related, painting a picture of a woman ready for a significant life shift.

1. The Need for New Professional Challenges

The primary reason cited by Farr herself was a desire for fresh, stimulating projects. After 19 seasons, the format of Love It or List It—renovating a home to convince owners to 'Love It' instead of buying a new one ('List It')—had become creatively repetitive. She explained that the show had become "boring" in its structure and that she needed to embrace new creative outlets. The extensive production schedule required filming for months at a time, leaving little room for other professional endeavors. Stepping away allowed her to pursue a variety of design and television concepts that offer a different kind of creative satisfaction.

2. A Serious Health Re-evaluation (Cancer Battle)

A major, and perhaps most significant, factor in her decision was a private health battle. Farr revealed that she has been diagnosed with and treated for cancer, including five lumpectomies over the years. This ongoing health challenge prompted a profound re-evaluation of how she was spending her limited time. She stated that the diagnosis made her "very aware of really wanting to take joy out of every day," and that the demanding schedule of Love It or List It was no longer conducive to that goal. Her focus shifted to prioritizing her health and well-being over the relentless pace of a long-running reality series.

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3. The Show Was "Taking Up Too Much of My Life"

The sheer time commitment required for a show of Love It or List It's scale was immense. Farr noted that the show was "taking up too much of my life," consuming her time and energy for 15 years. For a designer who also runs her own successful business, this meant sacrificing personal time, family moments, and other passion projects. The decision was ultimately about reclaiming her personal life and time, ensuring that her later years are spent on her own terms, rather than dictated by a television production schedule. This focus on personal freedom is a key theme of her departure.

4. Maintaining Her Close Friendship with David Visentin

Contrary to the common reality TV trope, her departure was not due to a feud with her long-time co-host, David Visentin. Their famously witty, sibling-like relationship is entirely genuine. In her official statement, Farr made it clear that their bond would continue, stating, "David and I will remain friends forever and I expect him to be as fabulously and hilariously annoying as ever." Visentin echoed this sentiment, confirming they are still on good terms and that their friendship transcends the show. Leaving the show allowed them to preserve their personal relationship without the constant pressure of a professional rivalry narrative, which was often amplified for television.

5. The Desire to Focus on New Solo Projects

Farr is not retiring from television or design altogether. Instead, she is pivoting to projects that are more aligned with her current passions and lifestyle. She is focusing on her own home renovation projects, including an extensive redo of her 21-year-old Toronto home and the construction of a new, energy-efficient house. She has also continued her work on her solo series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, which offers a different, more in-depth look at her design process and personal life. This strategic move ensures she remains a powerful entity in the design world while managing her workload.

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The Future of Love It or List It and Hilary Farr’s Legacy

The question on every fan's mind was whether Love It or List It could continue without the dynamic tension between Farr and Visentin. HGTV answered this by announcing a new co-host. The show will continue with David Visentin, who will now be joined by real estate expert and host Page Turner (known for Flip or Flop Nashville). Their interactions promise a new kind of banter, though the core premise of 'Love It' vs. 'List It' remains the same.

Hilary Farr’s legacy on the show is undeniable. Her sophisticated, often bold interior design choices, her signature "Love It" reveals, and her sharp, playful rivalry with David Visentin defined the series for nearly two decades. She brought the concept of high-end, transformative home renovation to the masses, inspiring countless homeowners to see the potential in their current properties. Her decision to leave, driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and health, serves as a powerful reminder that even television stars must prioritize their well-being. She has successfully transitioned from a demanding co-host role to a more flexible, self-directed career, proving that life's next chapter can be the most rewarding.