Food Network Chef Anne Burrell Breaks Silence on Surprising Absence From 'Worst Cooks in America'

Anne Burrell is a familiar face on the Food Network: in addition to her appearances on Iron Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, and her hosting duties on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, the cooking personality has been a longtime fan-favorite host and mentor on Worst Cooks in America.

But don’t expect to see her on the new season of Worst Cooks in America Celebrity Edition: Heroes Vs. Villains.

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Though neither the network nor Burrell have publicly addressed why she’s not appearing on this season, fans weren’t shy about asking the celebrity chef where she’s been through Instagram comments.

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Fans were quick to inquire as to her whereabouts on a Jan. 10 post, prompting Burrell to respond, though her answers didn’t give much clarity.

“Why aren’t you in Worst Cooks? It’s not the same,” commented one fan, to which Burrell replied, “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼‍♀️😑❤️.”

Another fan asked a similar question, writing, “Chef-how come you are not doing Worst Cooks this season. That is your show.” Burrell answered, but didn’t offer much in terms of closure, writing, “Uuuuughhh…I know. And I don’t know. 🫤🤷🏼‍♀️❤️.”

Related: Make Anne Burrell's Killer Mac and Cheese with Bacon

One commenter took things further, writing, “Worst cooks needs you. Food Network made a big mistake,” and Burrell responded with two emojis, “😊❤️.”

“Hi Anne, r u still with Food Network?? U r missed very much❤️❤️,” asked one fan. Burrell didn’t answer the question, but replied all the same, writing, “I miss you guys!!!😊❤️😊❤️.”

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However, it doesn’t seem like the door is fully closed between the celebrity chef and the network, given that when a fan asked that she “Come back next season,” Burrell responded, “I will SO try. 😊❤️.”

Next: Valerie Bertinelli Has Pointed Message After Food Network Exit