Bobby Berk announces he's leaving 'Queer Eye' after Season 8 'with a heavy heart'

Bobby Berk is making the "necessary" decision to leave "Queer Eye" after Season 8.

The host and interior designer, 42, announced his departure from the Netflix reboot on Instagram Monday.

"It's with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on 'Queer Eye,'" Berk stated. "It's not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with 'Queer Eye' is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon."

Berk starred in "Queer Eye" as a design expert alongside Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France, dubbed the "Fab Five."

"The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal. You have tuned in and been dedicated fans and together we were able to share the healing powers of design," Berk wrote to his fans in his departure announcement. "I learned from you all about kindness, love and acceptance and that has changed my life for the better. The way you have embraced me and accepted me for who I am is something that l will truly carry with me for the rest of my life."

The "Right At Home" author also thanked the show participants for "letting me into your homes and hearts," adding, "It’s all because of you that I’ve kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. I’m so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will."

Berk closed the post with "#foreverthefab5."

His co-hosts commented their support, and dismay, for his choice to leave the Emmy-winning show.

"@bobby we are #ForeverTheFab5 | no matter what. I’m about to be a Netflix’s door & e-mails telling them you can’t leave! Who is coming with me?" Brown commented. "I love you!"

Porowski wrote, "#foreverthefab5 indeed, and don’t forget it ??????????."

Van Ness added: "??????."

"Queer Eye" Season 8 premieres on Jan. 24, the show's official Instagram announced Monday.

In the post, the show included a statement about Berk's departure. "After six incredible years of life-changing transformations, Season 8 will be Bobby Berk’s last with the Fab Five. We appreciate the heart and dedication he has brought to Queer Eye and wish him the very best ??," the statement said.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bobby Berk leaving 'Queer Eye' after Season 8