It was just another day of filming for Fixer to Fabulous… until it wasn’t. Fans of the hit HGTV series were in for a treat when Jenny Marrs shared not only news of a dream project but also dropped an unexpected update about a beloved face long missing from the show — Chase Looney.
Jenny took to Instagram to reveal that she and Dave are working on something close to their hearts this season: a home for Habitat for Humanity. “This is a dream project for us,” she wrote, expressing her excitement about how the organization’s mission aligns perfectly with their own values. As she put it, the goal is to “bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.”
But it wasn’t just the announcement of a meaningful new build that stirred up emotions. What really caught fans’ attention was the surprise visitor who showed up during demo day — none other than Joe Looney, the loveable, mustachioed woodworker who stole viewers’ hearts in earlier seasons.
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Jenny couldn’t hide her excitement in the post, writing:
“Anyone spot the surprise guest at today’s demo? He surprised us all and I may have jumped and squealed! My favorite demo buddy!!!!”
It was a heartfelt moment, and longtime fans immediately recognized Joe. As the comment section lit up with nostalgic joy, one fan remarked, “JOE!! I miss him and his son being on the show. I hope his son is alright and still friends with you and the family, Jenny.” That’s when Jenny responded with something fans had been wondering for a long time — an update on Chase Looney.
“He’s the very best! Yes, Chase is a full-time paramedic and firefighter now!” Jenny replied, confirming what many had suspected — Chase has officially stepped away from the show to follow a new path of public service.
Chase Looney, known for his rugged charm and incredible carpentry skills, was an integral part of the Fixer to Fabulouscrew in the early seasons. Sporting an eye patch and a calm demeanor, he quickly became a fan favorite. But his sudden absence from more recent episodes left many viewers wondering what had happened.
While HGTV never officially announced his departure, it became increasingly clear that Chase was moving on. Behind the scenes, his life had been going through changes — both professionally and personally.
In 2021, Chase confirmed in a blog post that he was no longer part of the show. He stated that after filming Season 2, a personal decision was made not to return. Around the same time, fans learned that he had gone through a divorce. He opened up about how the end of his marriage was painful but ultimately led him to reevaluate his priorities.
“My desire [is] to build a new life, to lay the foundation for a new beginning,” Chase had written. And that’s exactly what he seems to have done.
Transitioning from TV personality and carpenter to full-time firefighter and paramedic, Chase’s new career is a testament to his commitment to helping others — this time in a much more literal, life-saving way. It’s not every day that a reality star walks away from fame to serve on the frontlines, but then again, Chase has never been the typical reality star.
Fans in the comment section were thrilled to hear the update. “WOW, that’s incredible. One of many heroes in this world,” one follower wrote. Another chimed in, “I can see Chase doing an excellent job in that field, and rewarded feeling to be of service.” The love for Chase was unanimous, and it’s clear that even though he’s no longer on camera, he remains a beloved figure in the Fixer to Fabulous family.
As for Joe, seeing him back on the project site — even if just for a demo day — was enough to bring a wave of nostalgia and joy. And who knows? Maybe his surprise visit is a sign that we’ll see more of him this season.
