Better Homes and Gardens star steps back from Channel 7 show

One of the longest serving stars of Seven’s hit show Better Homes and Gardens has announced she’s leaving her plum TV gig.

Veteran Better Homes and Gardens presenter Karen Martini has announced she’s stepping back from the lifestyle show to focus on other projects.

The Melbourne chef, 52, who first appeared on the Seven program as a food presenter in 2007, told 7News she had her hands full with two new restaurants, as well as being a mother to two teenage daughters.

“With my two new restaurants — Johnny’s Green Room already open and Saint George set to launch soon — as well as so many other projects on the go, 2024 is shaping up to be my busiest year ever,” Martini told the publication.

Karen Martini has called it quits after 17 years on Better Homes and Gardens to focus on her own projects.

Martini will continue to feature on the series with occasional guest appearances.

Scaling back her duties with Seven Network will likely see the restaurateur take a hefty pay cut, withThe Australian reporting in 2020 she was paid a rumoured $300,000 per year for the TV gig.

Martini continued of her decision to leave, “My daughters are in their last teenage years too — it’s quite daunting as Stella is in year 12 and also on her Ls.

“With so much on my plate, I’ve made the decision to step back from Better Homes and Gardens this year while I focus on some of my other exciting projects.”

Martini leads the culinary direction at new restaurant Johnny's Greenroom. Picture: Griffin Simms

Her announcement comes after My Kitchen Rules star Colin Fassnidge signed on to star as the resident chef on the long-running lifestyle program.

The Irish-Australian cook replaces Ed Halmagyi, who recently quit the show after 20 years.

Colin Fassnidge has joined the Better Homes team.

“Working on Better Homes and Gardens really feels like coming home,” Fassnidge said in a statement.

“I’ve been friends with [host] Johanna Griggs ever since I started at Channel 7, and the rest of the cast and I get on like a house on fire.

“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.”

Better Homes and Gardens, which has been helmed by Griggs since 2005, has long been a beloved series among Aussie viewers.

Current stars include Harry Cooper, Graham Ross, Charlie Albone, Melissa King, Peter Coulqhoun, Juliet Love, James Tobin and Adam Dovile.

Originally published as Better Homes and Gardens star steps back from Channel 7 show