Johanna Griggs’ beautiful tribute to co-star after shock departure from Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens host Johanna Griggs has paid a heartwarming tribute to the much-loved chef Karen Martini.

The restaurateur recently announced she would be stepping back from the popular Channel 7 lifestyle series to focus on her new restaurants and her teenaged daughters.

On Thursday, her co-star and good friend Johanna took to Instagram to wish her well, sharing a series of pictures of the pair enjoying each other’s company over the years.

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“I am so incredibly proud of @karen_martini who has made the difficult decision to walk away from Better Homes and Gardens and Seven, after 17 years on the show … to pursue a tsunami of opportunities that have come her way,” Johanna wrote.

“She has new roles at a couple of new restaurants … and will also relish being around a bit more for her teenage daughters Stella and Amber (who we have watched grow up during her time on the show).”

Johanna described Karen as “one of the hardest working people I know”.

“Hospitality is brutal at the best of times — and during her stint on BHG she has always worked on the tools, in various ventures including a period of time overseas with her family,” Johanna wrote.

“She adores what she does and turns every challenging time in the food industry into an opportunity.

“I adore her so much.

“I am going to miss her wicked sense of humour the most.

“I would roar with laughter all day when we worked alongside each other — and we were lucky enough to enjoy so many incredible experiences together.”

Johanna said some of Karen’s recipes would still feature on Better Homes and Gardens in 2024, adding that there were some new surprises ahead.

“With change comes another amazing opportunity for @bhgaus … I could burst I’m so excited about what we are planning to do going forward,” she said.

“I hope you can join me in wishing this absolute trailblazer and icon of the food industry all the best in her new adventures.”

Johanna finished her post with hashtags including #legend, #icon, #newadventures and #goodluckkaren.

‘One of the best’

Followers flocked to the comments section to wish Karen well and thank Johanna for her heartfelt post.

“Chookas Karen with your next adventures can’t wait to see what you do next … thanks for all your energy love food and you 🙏🏼” one fan wrote.

“One of the best is Karen Griggsy, well said,” wrote another.

“All the best Karen for the future, loved watching you on BHG, I’m sure what you do next will be amazing!”

Karen made the shock announcement on January 23 that she was departing the show.

“With my two new restaurants— Johnny’s Green Room already open and Saint George set to launch soon — as well as so many other projects on the go, 2024 is shaping up to be my busiest year ever,” she told 7NEWS.com.au.

“I’ve just come back from the Great Australian Culinary Voyage where I curated some beautiful bespoke menus and have some more exciting ventures to come soon.

“My daughters are in their last teenage years too — it’s quite daunting as Stella is in year 12 and also on her Ls (learner drivers’ permit).

“With so much on my plate, I’ve made the decision to step back from Better Homes and Gardens (BHAG) this year while I focus on some of my other exciting projects.

“So don’t be alarmed if I’m not in your living room every Friday night.”

She also added her voice to the buzz over the newest addition to the Better Homes line-up — chef and MKR judge Colin Fassnidge.

“I’m so excited that my mate Colin Fassnidge is entering the Better Homes kitchen,” she went on.

“I think his cheeky flavour is sure to spice up the show and I can’t wait to see him on air when we are back on Friday, February 2.”

Fassnidge replaces Fast Ed, who left the show in December 2023.

“Working on Better Homes and Gardens really feels like coming home,” Colin said when his appointment was announced in January.

“I’ve been friends with Johanna Griggs ever since I started at Channel 7, and the rest of the cast and I get on like a house on fire.

“I can’t wait to get out on the road and travel around this beautiful country, cooking with some of the best and freshest produce in the world.”

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