Project Runway "Will Continue Its Iconic Impact" with a New Host and Mentor, Following Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's Exits
"We are excited to announce our new host and mentor very soon," Bravo shared.
When Project Runway returns home to Bravo, host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn will not appear on the series. Judge Zac Posen has also announced his exit.
“Bravo is proud to bring Project Runway back where it all began, and Heidi and Tim will always be a huge part of the legacy," a rep for the network said in a statement. "The series will continue its iconic impact with Bravo’s reboot for the next generation of designers and fans. We are excited to announce our new host and mentor very soon.”
Andy Cohen also commented about the news on Twitter:
Heidi and Tim confirmed their exits from the show in separate statements.
“After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create,” Heidi said. “I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers’ careers.”
For his part, Tim said, “I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me! I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process that showcased talented young designers as never before. Most importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in this arena.”
Zac shared in a statement, “Working alongside Heidi, Nina and Tim as a judge for six seasons of Project Runway was one of the greatest experiences of my career. I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. Runway has led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new projects that I am very excited to share with you soon. I wish the show and everyone much success always.”
Project Runway aired on Bravo for Seasons 1 through 5 from 2004 to 2008 with Heidi, Tim, and judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, at the wheel.
When Season 17 premieres, the series will be back on Bravo. "We are beyond excited to reboot Project Runway at the network where it all began. Leaning into the creative process in an entertaining way has always been part of Bravo's DNA, and Project Runway perfectly captures that," Frances Berwick, President Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, said in a statement last month. "This franchise will be an important cornerstone to complement Bravo's original premium scripted and unscripted slate, and we expect it to drive the same level of fan-dom and passion as we experienced last time it was on Bravo."
