Fans of Breakfast Television have been wondering why longtime host Dina Pugliese has been absent from the morning show for much of July—especially after her much-celebrated return to the program earlier this summer.
It turns out Pugliese has temporarily stepped away from BT to focus on an exciting new project: hosting Bake Master Battle, an upcoming high-stakes baking competition airing on Food Network and streaming on Citytv+. The show features elite baking teams competing in festive, seasonal challenges and is co-judged by hyperrealistic cake artist April Julian, known for her work on Netflix’s Is It Cake?
Julian appeared on BT on August 1 to promote the new show and confirmed that Pugliese is currently dedicating her time to the baking series. It’s unclear when she’ll return to Breakfast Television.
Pugliese’s recent absence sparked concern among fans, especially as it comes shortly after her return in June following a two-year hiatus. She had stepped away in 2023, citing burnout and personal commitments, including caring for her husband during his recovery from brain tumour surgery and supporting her sister through cancer treatment. During that time, she also launched her own skincare brand, The Care Principle.
Known for her warmth, humour, and authenticity, Pugliese has been a central figure on BT since 2006 and remains one of the most beloved faces on Canadian morning television. For now, viewers can catch her in a different role, showcasing her hosting talents on Bake Master Battle—and remain hopeful for her return to BT in the future.