Why Did Anne Burrell Leave ‘Worst Cooks in America’? Her Absence Explained
Before she died at the age of 55 on June 17, Anne Burrell had starred on 27 seasons of Worst Cooks in America. She was on the show beginning with Season 1 in 2010, serving as the mentor for the red team time and time again.
While the blue team mentor rotated over the years, with chefs including Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and many more holding it down, Burrell was always a staple. However, when the show returned for Season 28 in January 2025, Burrell was noticeably missing. Instead, Antonia Lofaso and Jeff Mauro cohosted the series.
So, what happened and why did Burrell leave the show? Scroll down for everything we know.
Why did Anne Burrell leave Worst Cooks in America?
While a clear-cut answer for Burrell’s absence has not been given, it appears that she didn’t leave the show by choice. Rather, it seems to have been a decision made by the network.
Burrell broke her silence on her Season 28 absence in January. When a fan asked why she wasn’t on the show, she replied, “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️.” Someone else commented, “Chef-how come you are not doing Worst Cooks this season. That is your show,” to which Burrell answered, “Uuuuughhh…I know. And I don’t know. 🫤🤷🏼♀️❤️.”
Another Instagram user begged Burrell to “come back next season,” and she wrote, “I will SO try.” It has not been confirmed if she filmed another season before her death, and Food Network has never released a statement about why Burrell is no longer part of the beloved competition show.
How many times did Anne Burrell win Worst Cooks in America?
A cook from Burrell’s team won 15 times, which also meant that she had 15 losses over the years.
Burrell appeared on the show more than any other host. Tyler Florence had the second most hosting appearances with seven, followed by Ray and Flay with four each.
Conversation10 Comments
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O
It was a very bad decision of the FN to release Anne from her own show. I immediately stopped watching Worst Cooks as soon as I found out she would no longer be hosting. She was a true inspiration, fun, talented and a fierce competitor. R.I.P. Anne 🙏❤️🩹💐💫
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I quit watching when she was no longer on the show.
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R
If she was on 27 series, how could she have won 15 times and lost 15 times? I really don't like reading articles any more, things rarely make sense.
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R
Poor timing of ditching Anne Burrell! Tragic loss of such a talented individual with lots of spunk and energy.
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G
Without chef Anne, it's not the same. It's sad FN letting her go.
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O
They axed Valerie too.
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C
Until you have been in their shoes respect her death. She was one of the greatest mentors these people had She didn't baby or coddle. Get over yourself. Remember the saying people who live in glass houses. I'm sure you can finish the saying since you so wise and all.
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O
Where did you see she was a pill addict? All I've found is that she was prescribed ADHD meds. However, they did find alcohol in her system, as well as antihistamines and her ADHD meds.
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she is taking a nap and taking a day off
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Who knew that she liked the pill high, you use, you lose.
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