The Fab Five are back and ready to take on Las Vegas – but this time, it’s the show’s cast that will be undergoing a transformation.

Jeremiah Brent, a former HGTV host with his husband Nate Berkus, is the newest member of the “Queer Eye” team, stepping in for the original interior designer Bobby Berk. He makes his debut in Season 9 of the series, which premiered on Netflix on Wednesday, and he is well aware of the expectations that come with taking over Berk’s role.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Brent emphasized that there has been “no drama” surrounding his arrival and acknowledged the strong “loyalty” that fans have for the original cast.

“People may not know me yet, and they’re used to their prior friend group, but I’m excited to earn their respect and for everyone to get to know each other,” he shared.

Brent revealed that he initially auditioned for Berk’s role but it didn’t work out initially due to timing issues.

Approaching this second chance with some caution, Brent knew he was entering a close-knit group. However, once he met the cast, he felt welcomed. “I knew two of them already and they were dear friends, but the whole team clicked instantly,” he explained.

Brent expressed a deep respect for Berk’s work on the show.

Berk’s departure was highlighted amid reports of conflict, suggesting that the behind-the-scenes dynamic of the cast was not as joyful as portrayed on screen.

Bobby Berk, Tan France Dispute, and Jonathan Van Ness’ Rolling Stone Article Set the Stage for the New Season

Berk specifically was reported to have had issues with Tan France, the show’s fashion expert. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Berk confirmed their disagreement, stating: “There was a situation related to our personal lives that developed beyond the show.”

Additionally, Jonathan Van Ness, the show’s lively grooming expert, faced accusations of fostering a toxic atmosphere on set, according to claims in a Rolling Stone article. The allegations included emotionally “abusive” behavior, which Van Ness has denied.

Berk explained his choice to leave the show in Vanity Fair, noting that he believed the entire cast, which includes Karamo Brown and Antoni Porowski, would be moving on together. He decided not to renew his contract in 2022, but when the rest of the team chose to stay, he found himself committed to other projects he couldn’t walk away from.

As an essential part of the original group that revitalized the show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” from the 2000s, Berk played a key role in the modern revival, which shortened its name to simply “Queer Eye.”

Fans often joked about Berk being the backbone of the show, where he transformed homes while the others focused on fashion and culinary adventures.

Now, Brent will take on the challenges of fast-paced renovations as a new group of Las Vegas “heroes” seek guidance in fashion, life advice, and home makeovers from the “Queer Eye” team.