Sam Wood joins Better Homes and Gardens as new host

Better Homes and Gardens will welcome three new presenters to the team this year when the show returns for its new season on February 7.

Former Bachelor star Sam Wood will be joining the cast as the show’s health and fitness expert.

Similar to his work through the 28 By Sam Wood program, the trainer is hoping to be able to continue to arm viewers with all the best information and advice for adopting a healthier lifestyle.

“For me, it’s about helping people move more and eat better with simple, practical and real advice that they can understand and implement into their lives,” Sam said in a statement.

“I am genuinely so excited to be joining the team.”

Also joining Better Homes and Gardens this year is respected garden expert, author and television presenter Melissa King (The Garden Gurus), after long-standing landscaper Jason Hodges was sensationally axed from the show last year.

“I will be tackling lots of fun and inspirational gardening projects - everything from edible garden projects to indoor plant styling – and I also want to encourage kids to get off the couch and into the garden with some great kid-friendly gardening ideas,” Melissa said.

“For a gardening presenter, this is the pinnacle and I’m beyond excited to be working alongside people I have admired for years.”

Finally, James Tobin, who viewers will know from Weekend Sunrise, will present the latest in Tech and Motoring or as he puts it, “playing with all the big kid toys and reporting back”.

“I’ve known the BHG team for some time and to get to work with them is a real ‘pinch me’ moment,” he added.

Sam, Melissa, and James join host Johanna Griggs, Adam Dovile (DIY), Dr Harry Cooper (Vet), Graham Ross (Gardening), Tara Dennis (Decorating & Design), “Fast Ed” Halmagyi (Chef), Karen Martini (Chef) and Pete Colquhoun (Architect) in the new season of Better Homes and Gardens.

Jason Hodges axed from Better Homes & Gardens

Back in December, the shows landscaper Jason Hodges was left “absolutely gutted” after being axed from the popular Channel Seven show.

“To be honest, I am absolutely gutted,’’ Jason told The Sunday Morning Herald about being let go.

‘‘I think of myself as being the luckiest guy in the world, to have had the best job in the world and work with the best team there is ... I’d be lying if I said I was not upset but as people in this business know, that’s how it goes.”

Jason, who has been with the show for the past 15 years, is set to be replaced by his ‘rival’, Charlie Albone, who isn’t a newcomer to the TV circuit, having co-hosted Selling Houses Australia for the past few years.

Charlie will be joined on the show by garden expert and TV presenter Melissa King, with horticulturalist Graham Ross remaining on the show.

Jo Griggs steps down as House Rules host

Jo Griggs remains the host of Better Homes and Gardens and it will be her main gig after it was revealed in July last year she would be stepping down from hosting House Rules after seven seasons.

Johanna took to Instagram to confirm she wouldn’t be returning to the Channel Seven show in 2020.

“After a great deal of consideration, I recently sat down with the Network to ask to be allowed to step down as Host of House Rules,” the beloved personality shared in an emotional post, adding that the network ‘graciously’ agreed.

She also seemed to point to maintaining her role on Better Homes as being the primary reason behind her decision.

“My role as host of Better Homes and Gardens, which everyone knows I’m crazy about, keeps me very busy,” she wrote, adding her decision would allow her to balance that commitment.

Better Homes and Gardens returns Friday, February 7 at 7pm on Channel Seven.

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