Joanna and Chip Gaines on leaving 'Fixer Upper': 'It's the best thing for us right now'

Fans of the hit HGTV show "Fixer Upper" have to say goodbye soon. Joanna and Chip Gaines recently announced that the fifth season of the show will be the last, as they plan on retiring from HGTV afterward.

Apparently, the Gaines' decision to leave the show is due to their desire to focus on their "marriage and family relationship," as they feel that at the height of their popularity, they did not have enough breathing room to focus on their family.

"We want to make sure that we're here for our family during really crucial, pivotal points in its journey," explained Chip in a recent interview with Success Magazine. "The idea of leaving the show at the height of its popularity is probably pretty risky, almost irrational-sounding."

"Jo and I just realized in our hearts that as much as we love Fixer Upper, as much as we love the honor that we have felt with this show basically introducing us to the country, if not the world, we want to make sure that we're here," Chip added.

Many were baffled at the couple's decision as their show is one of HGTV's most-watched. Some say they are foolish to leave the show at the moment, but the Waco, Texas-based couple only laughed at the comments. They said they are at peace with their decision, adding that it's the best thing that happened to their family right now.

Joanna and Chip started as small-town home renovators in Waco, Texas, and when HGTV picked them up to be the stars of "Fixer Upper" back in 2013, their success tripled. Overall, they have successfully remodeled more than 100 homes, and with the success they earned at the show, they branched out to their own brand of merchandise at Target and other related businesses.

The couple also denied the false rumors circulating that the reason for ending the show was because their marriage was ending. But, they stated in the interview that they understand why some people would assume the worst.

"Fixer Upper" is one of the highest rated TV shows on HGTV. The show has already aired five seasons since 2013. Season five debuted on Nov. 28 this year.

News
Christian beliefs increasingly unfamiliar to British public, research finds
Christian beliefs increasingly unfamiliar to British public, research finds

With more and more people unclear about basic Christian teachings, Britain “is a mission field” in need of faithful Gospel witness, says Ligonier Ministries, which commissioned the survey. 

Half of Catholic churches in Glasgow to close
Half of Catholic churches in Glasgow to close

The city was once famed for its Catholic heritage.

The questions Britain must answer about Christian free speech
The questions Britain must answer about Christian free speech

The case of Anita Meston, the teacher sacked by a secondary school for expressing pro-life views, deepens Britain’s reputation for suppressing Christian freedom of speech.

Do we truly give thanks for harvest and the harvesters?
Do we truly give thanks for harvest and the harvesters?

This year’s harvest comes at a crisis moment for British farmers.