Many wondered why Tim Gunn did not return for the new season of Project Runway. Gunn co-hosted the show with Heidi Klum for several seasons. He is now explaining what happened, sharing details in a recent podcast appearance.
Tim Gunn talks about why he wasn’t involved in Project Runway Season 21
Speaking on Chelsea Handler’s podcast called Dear Chelsea, Tim Gunn shared that producers did not invite him back for Project Runway Season 21. “I wasn’t invited to return to the party. My agent called the producers to say, ‘We understand Heidi [Klum] signed up. We haven’t heard a thing about Tim,’ and they said, ‘We don’t want him.'”
At first, Gunn said the news felt “devastating.” Over time, he accepted it and decided to focus on the positive. He reminded fans that he worked on 19 seasons of the show, including 16 with Klum, and even won an Emmy.
“I feel extremely lucky to have had 19 seasons of the show, 16 with Heidi.” He also said, “No complaints. I feel very, very, very lucky.”
In February 2025, Klum texted him about possibly returning together. Later, she asked if he liked his contract. Gunn told her he never received one. He said, “Heidi sent me a text saying, ‘There’s talk about bringing Project Runway back with us, with you and me, and would you do it?’ And I said, ‘Would I do it? Of course, there’s not a moment of hesitation in me.”
After speaking with producers, Gunn got an offer: make a cameo in one episode, which he turned down. Gunn and Klum hosted the reality show for several seasons. They launched the show together in 2004.
They left in 2017 to host Making the Cut. Now, Klum has returned for Season 21. However, Gunn will not join her. Even though he feels disappointed, he says he is grateful for the years he spent on the show.
Originally reported by Ojas Kulkarni on ComingSoon.
