Fans of Queer Eye were taken aback when Bobby Berk, the beloved interior design expert, announced he would not be returning for the show’s ninth season.
After eight successful seasons on Netflix, Berk became the first member of the Fab Five to exit the show. His departure surprised many fans, but insiders close to the show were less shocked, citing escalating tensions between the cast members that might have led to his decision.
In November 2023, Berk made the announcement on social media, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye.” While this was a significant change for the series, Berk reassured fans that his journey with them was far from over. He confirmed that he would be pursuing other projects soon, though he did not elaborate on his future plans.
Tensions Within the Fab Five
Although Berk’s departure may seem sudden to viewers, reports suggest that internal conflicts had been brewing among the Fab Five for some time. Sources close to the cast revealed that despite their public image as a close-knit team, there were “petty disputes” and competition regarding who was considered the show’s “top star.”
This ongoing tension reportedly contributed to Berk’s decision to leave, though he emphasized that the conflicts were not necessarily the main reason behind his exit.
Berk’s Decision to Leave After the Show’s Renewal
Berk explained that when Netflix initially renewed Queer Eye for another season, he assumed the show was done after his contract ended. “Mentally and emotionally, I thought we all moved on,” he told.
However, when Netflix decided to continue with a new season, Berk chose not to return. He and his co-stars were initially on the same page, but eventually, they opted to stay on, leaving Berk as the sole member who chose to leave.
Strained Relationship With Tan France
Berk’s exit also sparked rumors of a rift with his co-star, Tan France. Berk confirmed that he and France had a falling out, but clarified that it was not related to the show.
The disagreement, which Berk described as a personal matter, was not a romantic issue but rather an ongoing tension between the two, similar to sibling rivalry. Despite the fallout, Berk expressed a desire to mend the relationship over time, hinting that the two could eventually reconcile.
Replacement: Jeremiah Brent Joins the Fab Five
With Berk’s departure, Queer Eye welcomed a new interior design expert: Jeremiah Brent. Brent, a well-known designer and TV personality, has made a name for himself with his firm, Jeremiah Brent Design (JBD).
He expressed enthusiasm for joining the team, noting that he was open to taking on the role of interior designer for the show. Brent officially made his debut in Season 9, which premiered in December 2024, marking a new era for the series
