Heidi Klum 'returning to Project Runway' eight years after departing fashion series
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Heidi Klum is set to return to Project Runway, according to a new report.
People has reported that Klum, 51, who departed the show after 16 seasons in 2018, is set to return to the series.
The outlet did not specify what role Klum will be serving in her return to the show.
The upcoming 21st season of Project Runway is set to premiere this year. Judges, hosts, and a premiere date will be revealed at a later date.
Klum has been a part of the show since it's debut back in 2004, serving as host as a batch of aspiring fashion designers attempt to make it big.
Klum, alongside mentor Tim Gunn, 71, who also appeared on the show since it's launch, both left the show in 2018 to begin work on the Amazon series Making The Cut, which aired three seasons.
Heidi Klum is reportedly returning to Project Runway; pictured 2016
Karlie Kloss stepped in as host and Project Runway winner Christian Siriano replaced Gunn as mentor.
Klum, who became known for telling eliminated contestants 'auf wiedersehen', said in a statement at the time of her exit: 'After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create.
'I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
'I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers' careers.
'I'm most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague, Tim Gunn, is far from over. We will be partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we're excited for everyone to see what we’re designing next!'
Speaking with People shortly after her departure, she said of her and Gunn's replacements: 'I don’t think they need advice. We left Project Runway in great hands, with Karlie [Kloss] and Christian Siriano, and I think they are going to do a great job,' she said.
'I can see how they are going to change it, because it needed some change. After 16 seasons, it was becoming stale. I’m excited to see how it will progress,' she added.
Season 21 of Project Runway will return with a 10-episode season. The hosts, judges and premiere date will be revealed at a later date.
The show, which last had been airing on Bravo, is now moving to Disney. The 21st season will air on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+.
Klum, alongside mentor Tim Gunn, who also appeared on the show since it's launch, both left the show in 2018
'Project Runway is an iconic television juggernaut that perfectly complements the pop-culture spirit at Freeform,' Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment president of scripted programming Simran Sethi said when announcing the show's move to Freeform.
'For 20 seasons, Project Runway has captured viewers’ attention and cultivated a loyal following,' Spyglass chairman and CEO Gary Barber added.
'The series has proven to be a valuable and enduring brand worldwide, and we could not be more excited to broaden the show’s breadth of viewership within the Freeform, Hulu and Disney+ ecosystem.'
Project Runway debuted on Bravo on December 1, 2004 and introduced the world to the dapper Gunn and his catchphrase 'Make it work
Project Runway debuted on Bravo on December 1, 2004 and introduced the world to the dapper Gunn and his catchphrase 'Make it work.'
Back in the early seasons, Klum hosted while Michael Kors and then Marie Claire editorial director Nina Garcia judged the competition alongside a guest judge that was usually another fashion designer or supermodel.
In 2009, the competition moved to Lifetime, where it stayed until 2017 and then moved back to Bravo.
Klum and Gunn on a 2017 episode of Project Runway
By that time, only now-Elle magazine editor-in-chief Garcia remained of the original cast of hosts and judges.
When Klum and Gunn exited the series, Siriano took over as both host and mentor.
Siriano introduced the catchphrase the 'Siriano Save' during his tenure on the show.
Garcia, fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and journalist Elaine Wellteroth served as judges up until season 20.
