Better Homes and Gardens announces Fast Ed's celebrity replacement

Two months after Better Homes and Gardens presenter Ed Halmagyi announced he would be leaving the show after 20 years, Channel 7 has unveiled his high-profile replacement.

Beloved chef and My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge will be joining the popular lifestyle program during its 30th anniversary year. The Irish-born chef, 50, will travel around Australia and share his family recipes every Friday night at 7pm from February 2.

In a statement via the network on Sunday, Colin said that working on Better Homes and Gardens “really feels like coming home.”

“I've been friends with Johanna [Griggs] ever since I started at Channel 7, and the rest of the cast and I get on like a house on fire,” he shared. “I can’t wait to get out on the road and travel around this beautiful country, cooking with some of the best and freshest produce in the world.

“I’ll be bringing my passion, humour and cheeky Irish flair as I whip up my favourite simple, quick and affordable recipes that everyone can make and enjoy at home.”

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The show’s executive producer Russell Palmer added that he’s excited to welcome Colin to Better Homes and Gardens and kick off “an exciting new chapter”.

“He’s a talented and well-respected chef and brings his own charm and innovation, which is sure to inspire our audience,” he said.

'Brilliant casting'

Following the announcement, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the show’s casting decision.

“Oh how wonderful! Well done chef!” one person wrote, followed by another who added, “Woohoo, love Colin!”.

“I think Colin will be really good for the show,” someone else shared, while a fourth replied, “Love Colin's humour and down to earth attitude and cooking”.

“Wow!! Brilliant casting!!” a different user remarked.

In addition to his new role on Better Homes and Gardens, Colin will continue to co-host My Kitchen Rules alongside Manu Feildel in 2024.

Why did Fast Ed leave?

Ed Halmagyi, also known as ‘Fast Ed’, announced in November that he will be stepping back from Better Homes and Gardens to focus on a personal business venture.

“I have been honoured to get the chance to tell stories to people who love food every week and be part of this amazing show that is part of Australia’s fabric,” he said. “I will certainly miss being a part of Australia’s Friday nights and working alongside my Better Homes and Gardens family.”

Ed shared that he is looking forward to returning to his roots as a pastry chef and opening a Jewish bakery.

“As someone whose life is so deeply invested in all things from the oven, the idea of creating a truly authentic and spectacular Jewish bakery has been simmering within me for nearly a decade,” he detailed.

“So Avner’s (my Hebrew name) is coming to life, with bagels, bialys, babka, rugelach and the most killer potato bread you’ve ever tried!”

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