The Netflix show’sdecor gurupenned a heartfelt letter to “theQueer EyeCommunity who have become family to me” on Monday as he announced he will exit the series following season 8, which is set to premiere on Jan. 24.
“The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal,” he wrote alongside a series of photos with his costars and the show’s past heroes. “You have tuned in and been dedicated fans and together we were able to share the healing powers of design. I learned from you all about kindness, love and acceptance and that has changed my life for the better. The way you have embraced me and accepted me for who I am is something that l will truly carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Berk joinedKaramo Brown,Tan France,Antoni PorowskiandJonathan Van Nessas the newQueer EyeFab Five when the reboot premiered in 2018. In his announcement on Monday, the 42-year-oldinterior designerthanked the longtime fans of the series for their support.
“Throughout these years, you, the die-hard fans ofQueer Eye, have all shared so many stories with me about how the show has touched your lives and I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you for being brave enough to share your experiences,” he shared.
He also praised the show’s “wonderful, loving, amazing, and brave” heroes, adding, “It’s all because of you that I’ve kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. I’m so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will.”
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Berk then officially confirmed his departure from the series: “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season onQueer Eye. It’s not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey withQueer Eyeis over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon.”
He concluded, “I love you all so so much and I’ll meet you all in Nola for one final season. #foreverthefab5”
Berk’s announcement comes as Netflix confirmed to PEOPLE thatQueer Eyeis renewed for a ninth season that will take place in Las Vegas.
Brown also sharedhis own tributeto Berk on social media alongside a series of photos of the star.
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Season 8 ofQueer Eyepremieres January 24 on Netflix.
source: people.com
