What Branch Of Service Was Wil Willis In

The Real Reason Wil Willis Isn't On This Season Of Forged In Burn

Cindy Ord/Getty Images for A+E Networks

When Season viii of "Forged in Burn down" began ambulation on the History Aqueduct, some fans were dismayed to see the show's longtime host Wil Willis had been replaced. Willis had been with the series since information technology began, and equally the host, he helped guide each season'south bladesmiths through the grueling competition. Information technology's safe to say, the former armed services human being was a fan favorite, and his sudden divergence from the show was baffling, to say the least.

There'southward certainly no doubt Willis' credentials fabricated him the perfect person to host "Forged in Fire." Prior to entering the realm of reality boob tube, he spent ten years every bit an Air Force Pararescueman, and four years as an Ground forces Ranger. Later he retired from the military, Willis began using his skillful weaponry knowledge as a commentator on shows like "Special Ops Mission" and "Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World."

Then, in 2015, he landed his "Forged in Burn" hosting gig, where he quickly became the most consistent part of the show — at least until Flavor 8 premiered with "Ultimate Survival Alaska" alum Grady Powell as the new host. Unfortunately, Willis hasn't spoken out most what led to his departure from the serial. Merely his reason for leaving may very well involve a new add-on to his growing family unit.

What's the existent reason why Wil Willis left Forged in Fire?

History Channel

On March half dozen, 2020, Willis and his married woman, Krystle Amina, welcomed a baby boy, Wink Orion Willis. Since then, the quondam "Forged in Burn down" host's social media accounts have been dominated past pictures of his ambrosial petty one. It seems Willis is basking in fatherhood and enjoying spending fourth dimension with his family unit — especially after the turbulent year that was 2020.

Additionally, Willis opened up almost the demanding nature of the "Forged in Burn" filming procedure in a Dec 2020 episode of the "B3f" podcast. He shared that it takes "three to five days to film an episode," and admitted the process can be "ho-hum." And although he expressed his appreciation for the prove and its coiffure, his comments suggested he's set for a new adventure.

Meanwhile, the History Channel issued a statement assuring fans that Powell will exist ushering in a new era of "Forged in Burn." In a statement, a spokesperson for the aqueduct said (via Triblive.com): "Every bit with whatever legacy series that has had the privilege of being on the air for v-plus years, fans will discover new names and faces from time to time. While nosotros 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' every bit our new host."

It seems that at least for now, Willis is focusing on his young family unit and planning the next stage of his career. And fifty-fifty though "Forged in Fire" won't be the same without him, Powell appears to exist giving information technology his all every bit the long-running show'southward new host.