Better Homes confirms shock line-up replacement

Better Homes and Gardens has confirmed Charlie Albone will replace Jason Hodges on the show in 2020.

Seven announced Jason Hodges was cut after a 16-year run on the show last year, though only today was the veteran’s replacement confirmed, in a shock move given the pair’s rumoured rivalry.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Hodges was ‘gutted’ by the news, which was another shock axing under new Seven boss Andrew Backwell.

Replacement Charlie Albone got his break on Foxtel's Selling Houses Australia, and will be joined by Melissa King as a replacement gardening expert.

Charlie will reportedly continue to work Selling Houses, starring in a new season later in 2020.

“It’s a real honour to be asked to be part of such an amazing team,” Charlie told the series’ online site.

“I will be sharing lots of new and interesting ideas for your garden that will inspire and push boundaries, as well as advice on how to make your outdoor living the best it can be.”

It seems viewers will also get a more personal look into the presenter’s life, with Charlie promising to open up to audiences.

“You’ll also get to meet my family, and I’ll be giving you a look around my country garden,” he said.

BHG castmates share ‘sadness’ over axing

The news comes after fellow castmates shared their devastation over news of Hodge’s axing.

Johanna Griggs posted to Instagram, describing the farewell episode as ‘one of the hardest shoots we’ve ever had to do’.

“(Change is) unfortunately a reality that comes with the business we are in. But that doesn’t make it any easier,” she wrote in the emotional post.

Of the new faces coming in, however, she seemed optimistic.

“We’ve had a shoot with some new faces who’ll be joining the team next year. And I can honestly say they are absolutely lovely and really excited to be part of the show,” she wrote.

It remains to be seen if the show’s dedicated audience will feel the same about the newcomers, with the first episode featuring the new lineup set to hit screens this Friday.

Fans ‘gutted’

At the time, Hodge’s exit also left fans gutted.

“This is one of the stupidest decisions they had made,” one wrote.

“I have to admit it made me cry. Very emotional,” another agreed.

The full lineup has been confirmed as including host Johanna Griggs, alongside Adam Dovile (DIY), Charlie Albone (Landscaping), Dr Harry Cooper (Vet), Graham Ross (Gardening), Tara Dennis (Decorating & Design), “Fast Ed” Halmagyi (Chef), Karen Martini (Chef), Pete Colquhoun (Architect), Sam Wood (Health & Fitness), Melissa King (Gardening) and James Tobin (Tech & Motoring).

Better Homes and Gardens 2020 premieres February 7th at 7 pm.

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