Before starting his television career Wil was Army Ranger for four years, and an Air Force Pararescueman for 10 years. Wil also admitted in an interview that the working conditions on the show were not the best. Get reality TV news, reviews, and recommendations in your inbox every week. Willis is a . Why did Jay Neilson leave Forged in Fire? But he praised the people who worked behind the scenes to make Forged in Fire come togethertheyre making sure that all of these pieces that make Forged in Fire what it is come together into this show that everybody loves, he said. Im Andy Dehnart, a writer who obsessively and critically covers reality TV, focusing on how its made and what it means. The shows host is Wil Willis. While appearing on the BF3 podcast, the first thing he did was quash any rumors of bad blood between him and the " Forged In Fire" team. But as fans first learned when the trailer for season eight came out in November, he no longer hosts. Of course, like many other reality television series, it isnt necessarily just the participants who are the stars of the show. Wil was inspired to join the military by his father's own service in the U.S. Army until 1991. There has been no official confirmation from the History channel or from Neilson about him leaving the show. However, there was a reason behind Wil Willis leaving Forged in Fire. In fact, before he started working on TV he was an Army Ranger and also worked as an Air Force pararescue specialist, receiving several decorations for his service. There's a strong chance that he was eager to spend more time with his family, which made him more inclined to leave Forged in Fire. So, in other words, the network isnt saying much on the record. Wil joined the Army in 1993 and was assigned to A Co. 3d Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. He criticized his trailer and the slow filming process. Already clowning me! However, there was a reason behind Wil Willis leaving Forged in Fire. I swear to god it was probably 4 feet by 6 feet total. Im not sure how I feel about Forged In Fire without Wil Willis. Catch new episodes of Forged in Fire every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST on History. 2 What happened to Wil Willis from Forged in Fire? And why is he not the host for Season 8 in Forged In Fire?Please give a THUMBS UP if you APPRECIATE our videos,\rSHARE your thoughts if you've any SUGGESTIONS,\rSUBSCRIBE to our channel if you LIKE our videos.\rhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCJTmRKfaI-KNm-_aTjsLw\r\rFor any queries, contact us at THGRTNAZIII@gmail.com 6 Why did J Neilson leave forged in fire? In March 2020, he welcomed a child with his wife, artist Krystle Amina! Being a fan favorite, the former veterans fans are asking if Wil Willis has quit the show or has taken a temporary hiatus. Fans of the show are naturally asking what happened to Willis. While many television shows halted production due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, there might have been a good reason Wil had to sit the 2021 season out. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Distractify is a registered trademark. Wont be the same without him tbh. It was not a big space., He said that it took three to five days to film an episodeits the slowest, most boring process in the world.. Willis spent ten years as an Air Force Pararescueman, and four years as an Army Ranger. 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Does the runner up on Forged in Fire win anything? He criticized his trailer and the slow filming process. Havent we already had a bad enough year?! Fans can likely expect the show to continue running, as the network has announced no plans to cancel the popular game show. The majority of my time at Forged in Fire was spent sitting inside of this hotbed of shit, he said of his trailer. My hand-crafted newsletter is sent most Fridays, and is free! Season 3 of Forged in Fire saw J Neilson leave Forged in Fire. After his success in Forged in Fire, he became the host of the spin-off show,Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges. Writer. The show Forged in Fire was Wil's big break, as he is also the host of the spin-off show, Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges . 1 Why did Jay Neilson leave Forged in Fire? To share our perspectives and exchange ideas in a welcoming, supportive space, Ive created these rules for commenting here. @HISTORY how am I going to watch forged in fire without Will Willis?!?! Despite the well-thought-out response, more fans seemed to be upset about the switch than eager, as expressed on social media. The shows format has remained more or less consistent, although there have been some changes in the cast. One of the judges is Doug, and he shares his vast . Michael. A lot has happened in the former hosts life since his departure, from welcoming his first son with his in March 2020 to hosting Mental Health Mondays on his Instagram page. Wil Willis is best known for being the host of the History Channel series Forged in Fire. Related: Love Is Blind And 14 More Reality TV Shows To Binge-Watch On Netflix. He carried that post until 1998 when he cross-trained to the Air Force. Wil was inspired to join the military by his father's own service in the U.S. Army until 1991. "The smell was outrageous. People have come to appreciate their hobbies even more over the months, whether that be exercise, cooking, gaming, and of course, TV. You had me until the "inaccurate death count" bit. After he retired from the military, Willis began using his expert weaponry knowledge as a commentator on various TV shows and even an actor in hit movies. The History Channel hasn't offered a statement regarding the change of host and Wil Willis hasn't addressed his absence in the trailer either, which has led some audiences to speculate that it may simply be a temporary hiatus with Ben covering. While so many other reality shows focus on love & life, food, and home improvements, Forged in Fire has an entirely different focus. History then released the following statement after Wil's exit, Trib Live reports: As with any legacy series that has had the privilege of being on the air for five-plus years, fans will notice new names and faces from time to time Will Wil Willis return to Forged in Fire, What is Wil Willis doing now, Wil Willis . Play trailer 0:31. There are four judges, and Wil has served as the show's host for quite some time. Doug Marcaida is the martial arts expert on Forged in Fire. Currently, there are four judges on the show, and Wil was the host until season 7. You may have heard of the History Channel show Forged in Fire, but how much do you know about its longtime host Wil Willis? reality blurredis your guide to the world ofreality TVand unscripted entertainment, with reality show reviews, news, and analysis. The History Channel show 'Forged in Fire' has returned with its eighth season. He criticized his trailer and the slow filming process. ET on the History Channel. Offers may be subject to change without notice. This is because the show is filmed in New York, and New York knife laws state that it is illegal for a weapon to be manufactured on television unless that weapon is a prop. Viewers started to notice a slight British accent on Ben and theyd be correct, as he wasnt born in Passadena, California, where he now lives. Wil also admitted in an interview that the working conditions on the show were not the best. The world will be studying the full impact of the pandemic for years to come. Grady Powell, a renowned survivalist and former U.S. Army Green Beret, made his debut on Forged in Fire in the Season 8 premiere but some fans were still feeling disappointed. In March 2020, he and his wife welcomed a son, so he is currently spending time with his family. The Forged in Fire meat is typically donated. Its uncertain whether hell return for the following season or if Ben will continue to hold down the fort. So it's likely that he is at least 45 years old, having. Thats when the reality starts: when the clock starts. Try to take a decent photo and this happens! , Live in a three-round elimination contest to forge bladed weapons his Sources of Income, salary and. One follower wrote: Are you alright? Yes, two! < What happened to Wil Willis? As a fast-spreading rumor has it, only the winners get paid. Wil became an Air Force Pararescue Recovery Specialist. Wil Will is not your ordinary television presenter. 7 Who are the new judges on forged in fire? He joined the show in Season 3 when judge James Neilson needed to take a leave of absence to have surgery. Given that the film and television industry was perilously affected due to the pandemic and successive lockdowns across the world, there might be a good reason Wil had to sit this season out. Hopefully this isnt the last of Wil Willis on Forged in Fire. Wils net worth is $500,000, Celebrity Net Worth reports. At least he's not a selfish prick. In March 2020, he and his wife welcomed a son, so he is currently spending time with his family. Wil Willis is an American TV personality, Pararescuemen and former Army Ranger born on 13 February 1975, in Portugal. Neal Estano Leaving WNYT: Where Is the New York Meteorologist Going. However, there was a reason behind Wil Willis leaving Forged in Fire.In March 2020, he and his wife welcomed a son, so he is currently spending time with his family.Wil also admitted in an interview that the working conditions on the show were not the best. He appeared in seasons one and two, but in season three he took a leave of absence due to an injury on his hand. In fact, back in Season 3, fans worried J. has decided to leave the show when he went missing from the judges panel. Forged in Fire relies on the talents of its presenter Wil Willis and a selection of judges to help evaluate each weapon with pure expertise. All Rights Reserved. This soldier put his skills to great use after he retired from the force by hosting military-related TV shows. There hasnt been an official statement from The History Channel or Willis, but Forged in Fire speculates a reason for his break from the show. According to his Instagram handle, in March 2020 the Forged in Fire host welcomed his first child with his wife, artist Krystle Amina. Wil Willis, the former Army Ranger, has been the host of Forged in Fire since it began. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. One member of the panel will ensure that the tests are all possible under the conditions set by doing it themselves. Weve created a community that connects people through open and thoughtful conversations about the TV were watching and the stories about it. In March 2020, he and his wife welcomed a son, so he is currently spending time with his family. While the clock is going, thats the real stuff.. Read on to find out what happened to Wil Willis on the show. David saw fans concerned about him and clarified that he was just fine, but had sustained an injury to his eye the day before shooting, necessitating the patch over his wound as it healed. But now that the show is back with its new season, Wil is not there. In each episode, four bladesmiths compete in a three-round elimination contest to forge bladed weapons, with the overall winner receiving $10,000 and the show's championship title "Forged in Fire Champion". Judging by his latest Instagram activities, Wil has been busy spending some much-needed downtime with Krystle and Flash Orion. How do you remove scratches from solid surface countertops? Today, I review and recommend reality shows, documentaries, and nonfiction entertainment; analyze news and report from behind the scenes; and interview people who create and star in reality TV shows. Heres why, 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The first was the 2009 show Special Ops Mission and the second was a 2011 series called Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World. What does Forged in Fire do with the carcass? Forged in Fire is an American competition series that airs on the History channel and is produced by Outpost Entertainment, a Leftfield Entertainment company. While we appreciate Wil Willis and everything he brought to the series we are excited to start this new chapter and welcome Grady Powell into the forge as our new host. It turns out, he needed to take a leave of absence to have surgery on his hand, and fellow ABS Master Smith Jason Knight stood in for him while he recovered. Because David Baker is an expert in the history of weapons, he is perfect for judging if a sword or knife is historically accurate. While Forged in Fire will be a crowned jewel in Wil Willis' television experience, he has also been a part of other shows. As a press release issued by History reveals, there might have been more to the casting changes, however. Forged in Fire" In June 2015, History Channel started what became a highly-popular reality TV series by the name "Forged in Fire", and this show made Doug famous across the US, as evidenced by the show currently running its fifth season, and it seems that audiences are still captivated by the adventures of blacksmiths and their judges. Wil has previous experience on television shows that premiered on the Military Channel: Special Ops and Triggers. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. A US military veteran, who served in the US Air Force for 8 years, and then pursued a career as a Respiratory Therapist for 20 years, all the while teaching and honing his skills as a Filipino martial artist. Wil often hosted Mental Health Mondays on his Instagram page, but fans have noticed that they havent seen him go live for a while. Wil is also a father to two other children from a previous marriage. Since the trailer emerged without humble host Wil, a number of fans have flocked to Twitter to weigh in with their thoughts and reactions. Wil was part of a couple of shows premiering on the Military Channel,such as Special OpsandTriggers. Forged in Fire without Wil Willis just isnt the same. He previously worked on two military-focused series on what was known as the Military Channel but is now called the American Heroes Channel. He has mentioned on the show that he was inspired to join the military by his father's own service in the US Army until 1991. Learn more. He is an actor and writer, known for Forged in Fire (2015), Special Ops Mission (2009) and Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World (2011). He and his wife had a boy in March 2020, thus he is now spending time with them. I miss This round is OVER (with a hand gesture)!. However, there was a reason behind Wil Willis leaving Forged in Fire. Furthermore,why did wil willis quit forged in fire? February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Former Monroe Native Drew Goodson has been interested in blacksmithing as far back as he can remember and his smithing dreams recently came true on Tuesday, May 1, when at 18 years old he became the youngest ever champion on The History Channels Forged in Fire., 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved World-class bladesmiths compete in recreating historical weapons on the program. But, can you blame me? In particular, he specializes in creating custom swords and knives made from Damascus steel. Who is the new host of Forged in Fire 2020? Wil Willis had been part of History Channel's show, Forged In Fire, till season 7. The latest movie news, trailers, reviews, and more. He served with the Army's 3rd Ranger Battalion and. 'The Crown' Season 4 features disgraced Royal, A post shared by Wil Willis (@whiskey2whiskey), Read |'The Crown' impresses Amitabh Bachchan; 'What performances, what writing,' says Big-B. His responsibilities on the show have included giving competitors specifications to meet for their blades and offering advice. So another master knifemaker, Jason Knight, filled in for Neilson. Did J. Neilson Leave the Show? While it isnt really mentioned on Forged in Fire, the tests and tasks set for the contestants have all previously been carried out by the judges. Next: 15 Strange (But True) Facts About Reality TV. why did ben abbott leave forged in fire. Considering Wil has been with Forged in Fire from the start, its hardly surprising that the series devoted admirers are a little taken aback. This means that in the main Forged in Fire series, meat is often sitting in a hot warehouse all day. reality blurredis regularly updated with highlights from the world of reality TV: news and analysis; behind-the-scenes reports; interviews with reality TV show cast members and producers; and recaps and reviews ofreality TV showsincluding Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Mole, Big Brother, The Great British Baking Show, Shark Tank, Top Chef, Holey Moley, The Bachelor, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars, and many more. People who have seen previous seasons of Forged in Fire are probably familiar with Wil Willis, who hosted the show's first seven seasons. At present, it's uncertain if Wil had any intention of returning to the show. He is also the person who helps evaluate how historically accurate they are. IMDbPro Starmeter See rank. While recovering, he couldnt appear on the show as he would not be able to handle the weapons or do his job effectively. Instead, wildlife reservations and things like that get the meat in order to keep it from going to waste.. Have something to tell us about this article? Who is David Baker? He criticized his trailer and the slow filming process. In a more than two-hour interview on the B3F Podcast posted in late December, he talked at length about his time on the show. Why did David Baker leave Forged in Fire? Wil Willis had been part of History Channel's show, Forged In Fire, till season 7. In fact, before he started working on TV he was an Army Ranger and also worked as an Air Force pararescue specialist, receiving several decorations for his service. Why is Wil Willis no longer on Forged in Fire? The revamped Forged in Fire now helmed by Grady airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. This show encourages previous Forged in Fire champions to face off against one of the four judges for an additional $10,000. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs. By Leila Kozma. It's true, Wil was replaced by former National Geographic star of Ultimate Survival Alaska Grady Powell for the show's 2021 season. Fans speculate if the 'Forged in Fire' host has left the show. ", He also spoke candidly about the filming process, saying it would take "three to five days to film an episode its the slowest, most boring process in the world." Distractify is a registered trademark. As he told B3F Podcast in December of 2020, he is interested in pursuing a career as an independent filmmaker. Despite the pandemic plaguing a number of productions and delaying the release of highly anticipated shows and seasons, weve still been treated to some quality entertainment so far in 2020. Willis hasnt said anything, either. However, he may not be joining us in the newest season. As an ex- Air Force recruit and overall military specialist, Willis' persona offered something unique to the show's construct. Why is it illegal for Forged in Fire contestants to keep their weapons? So, it appears that Neilson is on a break while he recovers from his hand surgery. However, there was a reason behind Wil Willis leaving Forged in Fire. The weapons expert has a great career having been a military contractor as well as weapons designer with Fox knives Italy. Neilson came back for the premiere of the fourth season. He got candid about his experiences in an interview with B3F Podcast, and this time, he didn't hold back the details. While we appreciate Wil Willis and everything he brought to the series we are excited to start this new chapter and welcome Grady Powell into the 'forge' as our new host," the network told the publication of its decision.