Toni Gonzaga won’t be returning as ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ host anytime soon

Toni Gonzaga during her hosting days in “Pinoy Big Brother.” Image: Instagram/@celestinegonzaga

Toni Gonzaga confirmed that she won’t be returning as a “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) host anytime soon while pointing out that it’s time for its new set of hosts to shine.

Gonzaga made the confirmation during her appearance on the radio show “The Baklitas” when hosts Kapitana Sisa and Tita Cory asked her about the possibility of coming back to the Kapamilya reality show, as seen on Energy FM 106.7’s YouTube channel.

“Feeling ko, may mga bagong magagaling na hosts and it’s their time to shine. Feeling ko the 16 years that I’ve given sa ‘PBB’ parang ano na ‘yon, that was special and memorable in my heart,” she said. (Currently, I feel that there are new hosts that are doing well and it’s their time to shine. The past 16 years that I’ve given to PBB were special and memorable.)

Gonzaga was among the hosts of PBB’s 16th season with Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, Sky Quizon, and Richard Juan which ran from October 2021 to May 2022. The actress-host left the show in February 2022.

The “My Sassy Girl” star also spoke about how proud she is of the reality show’s current set of hosts, saying she’s confident that it will continue with its legacy.

“Sobrang gagaling na ngayon ng mga host ng ‘PBB’ (The current set of ‘PBB’ hosts are really good) and I’m sure they will continue the legacy ni Kuya,” she said, referring to the show’s titular Big Brother.

During the interview, she also admitted that she missed being on TV but she opted to be more “intentional” with her work from now on.

“Nakakamiss ‘yung dati kong ginagawa [sa TV]. May miss factor but ngayon, intentional ka na every time you take a project so mas excited ka nang mag-work. Dati kasi, para kang autopilot. Lagarista to the max,” she said.

(I missed the things I used to do on TV. There’s a certain “miss” factor. But now, I’m intentional with the projects I take so I’m more excited to work. Before I felt like I was on autopilot. I would often overwork myself to the bone.)

Gonzaga confirmed her departure from PBB a day after she hosted the proclamation rally of then-presidential and vice-presidential candidates Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

She was also the subject of criticism after introducing Rep. Rodante Marcoleta as part of the Marcos Jr.-Duterte senatorial slate during the rally, as Marcoleta was one of the staunch opposers of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

ABS-CBN confirmed in December 2023 that PBB will be returning for a new season this year, with Gonzales, Dee, Domingo, Cantiveros, and Chiu as the mainstay hosts.