TLC confirmed today that it has fired Paige Davis, the host of its flagship Trading Spaces series. According to the network, the move is part of a decision to take the show (which has seen its ratings sag considerably during the last two seasons) into a new creative direction that will feature a "host-less" format.

ADVERTISEMENT
In a statement released this morning, TLC states that it believes that the new creative direction will "enable the show to be more spontaneous, focus more on the homeowners and designers, and create alternative home trades in different cities and on opposite coasts."

The network also acknowledges Paige's role in making Trading Spaces a "great success for the network" and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Paige's last new Trading Spaces episode will air in March, with repeats continuing to air throughout the year.

According to a recent Daily Variety report, Paige's "future endeavors" may include a syndicated daytime program of her own. The trade paper reported on Thursday that Paramount Domestic TV and King World Productions, the distributors of The Oprah Winfrey Show, are said to be considering giving Paige and interior designer Nate Berkus a new show their own. Both Paige and Nate are regular guests on Oprah, and according to the report, Winfrey plans to "incubate" them in the same manner as she did with Dr. Phil. If developed, the show would premiere in Fall 2006.