Fans of Holiday Baking Championship were left confused — and disappointed — after noticing that longtime judge Duff Goldman was suddenly missing during the show’s finale.
After weeks of speculation, host Jesse Palmer finally addressed the situation, revealing why Duff wasn’t on set and why another familiar face stepped in at the last minute.
Jesse Palmer Addresses Duff’s Absence
While introducing the judges during the finale, Palmer welcomed Nancy Fuller and Kardea Brown before explaining Duff’s absence.
“Duff’s still feeling a little bit under the weather,” Jesse told viewers, before introducing pastry chef Zac Young, who filled in for the beloved judge.
The explanation came as a relief to fans who had been worried after noticing Duff’s abrupt disappearance earlier in the month.
Viewers First Noticed Something Was Off
Earlier in December, audiences were already questioning what happened when Duff unexpectedly left before an elimination segment near the end of the December 8 episode.
During the final moments of that episode, Duff was nowhere to be seen, leaving Jesse, Nancy, and Kardea alone on set. Jesse jokingly told the bakers that Duff had “left early” for a “Chrismukkah party,” but the explanation didn’t sit well with viewers.
Duff had appeared earlier in the episode for the blind tasting portion, making his sudden absence even more puzzling.
Fans Flooded Social Media With Questions
The unexplained moment quickly sparked debate online.
“What really happened?!” one Reddit user asked.
“Usually I’d assume illness, but the fact that guest judges were ready makes me think this was planned,” another speculated.
Others suggested the show may keep backup judges on standby for unexpected situations.
Duff Goldman Has Stayed Quiet — But Is Doing Well
Duff has not publicly commented on his absence from the finale, but recent updates suggest he’s doing just fine.
The Food Network star recently announced that he and his wife, Johnna, are expecting their second child. He also revealed that he has opened his very first restaurant, Duff’s Deli and Market, in Atlanta.
A Tough Year For Holiday Baking Fans
Duff’s absence comes during a disappointing year for Food Network holiday programming.
Earlier in 2025, fans were upset when Christmas Cookie Challenge and Holiday Wars were removed from the season’s lineup. Adding to the frustration, Kids Baking Championship did not receive a holiday special this year — something viewers had come to expect since 2019.
The show’s last Christmas-themed episode, Frosting the Snowman, aired in December 2024, with no holiday special scheduled for 2025.
Fans Hope For Duff’s Return
With Duff being such a staple of Food Network’s holiday programming, fans are hoping his absence was truly temporary and that he’ll be back in full form next season.
For now, Jesse Palmer’s explanation has eased some concerns — but viewers are still missing one of the franchise’s most beloved judges.
