Nicole Curtis, the beloved star of HGTV’s ‘Rehab Addict,’ is making a highly anticipated return to the network after a three-year hiatus. The new season promises a fresh perspective, delving into Curtis’s personal journey and showcasing her signature passion for restoring historic homes. After facing a significant personal setback, Curtis is ready to share her experiences and inspire viewers with her unwavering dedication to preservation and community revitalization.
In this exclusive article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Curtis’s return, the challenges she faced during her time away from the spotlight, and what viewers can expect from the latest season of ‘Rehab Addict.’ From a poorly flipped 1890s property in Wyoming to a Detroit home invaded by squatters, Curtis is tackling ambitious projects with her trademark blend of expertise and heart.
Nicole Curtis’s Personal Setback and Return to HGTV
Nicole Curtis’s return to HGTV wasn’t just a professional decision; it was a deeply personal one. Following a major setback that she describes as having “rocked me to the core,” Curtis found herself at a crossroads. Rather than succumbing to the challenges, she chose to channel her energy into what she loves most: saving old houses and revitalizing communities.
“I had a setback in my life that just rocked me to the core, and it was one of those moments where I thought, how do I get through this one?” Curtis says. She’s keeping the exact nature of the incident private for now, but says it led her to make a big decision about her priorities. “I prayed on it and it was just devastating for me. I had to make a decision right there and then like, ‘Okay, we’re going to let this affect us for a very long time, or we’re going to pick it up and go.’”
An Impromptu Trip to Europe and a Life-Changing Decision
In July 2022, Curtis impulsively decided to travel from Detroit to the Greek island of Corfu. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she realized mid-flight that she had left her wallet behind. Landing in Paris with only $72 in change, she faced a test of resilience and resourcefulness.
“I didn’t realize until I was up in the air paying for my WiFi that I left my wallet behind,” she says. “I didn’t have a credit card on me. I had $72 of change in dollar bills stashed in my bag. So I landed in Paris without a wallet. I thought, well, you know what? This is it. This is my test. I’m going to figure it out.”
This experience led her to make a spontaneous decision: buying a house online in Wyoming, a poorly flipped 1890s property that desperately needed her expertise. This purchase marked a turning point and set the stage for her return to ‘Rehab Addict.’
New Season, New Projects: Wyoming and Detroit
The ninth season of ‘Rehab Addict’ features two significant projects: the Wyoming home Curtis purchased impulsively and a troubled Detroit property invaded by squatters. These projects represent the core of Curtis’s mission: to breathe new life into neglected properties and restore their historical significance.
“This house needed me and I needed this house,” she recalls.
Curtis describes the new episodes as “an evolved version” of the show, signaling a shift from her previous series. While staying true to her roots, she brings a new level of experience and perspective to her work.
An Evolved Version of Rehab Addict
Nicole Curtis emphasizes that the new season captures the essence of the show’s early days, focusing on smaller, more intimate projects. This return to the roots of ‘Rehab Addict’ is a deliberate choice, appealing to long-time fans who appreciate the raw, authentic approach to home renovation.
“I think that this season has the feel of season one, season two. The houses are smaller,” she explains. “We’ve done a lot of big projects over the years, and my lake house… that was like a bougie series. I’m building my million-dollar lake house. I was still saving an old house, but it wasn’t ‘Nicole Curtis on the brink of bankruptcy’ if this one doesn’t sell, like the old school ones.”
Family Privacy and the Absence of Her Sons
One notable change in the new season is the absence of Curtis’s family, particularly her sons, from the show. Curtis has made a conscious decision to shield her children from the public eye, prioritizing their privacy and well-being.
“I learned my lesson,” she says. “I think there’s one gift we can give our children, and I give them privacy. They’re out in public with me a lot, and I shield them… But I won’t do that again. My boys are my most precious, precious things in the entire world to me.”
This decision reflects Curtis’s commitment to protecting her family and focusing on the core mission of preserving historic homes.
Working with an Ex: Josh Sawtelle’s Return
In a surprising twist, Josh Sawtelle, an ex-partner of Curtis, appears on season 9 as a carpenter working on the Wyoming property. Curtis explains that their long history and continued friendship led to this collaboration.
“We were together a long time and I was very close to his family,” Curtis explains of why she invited him on the show. “So we never really stayed out of contact. Your lives are so enmeshed.”
This unique dynamic adds an interesting layer to the show, showcasing how personal relationships can evolve and contribute to professional endeavors.
Monster Truck Rally
Amidst the challenges and hard work, Curtis found moments of joy and adventure during filming, including riding in a monster truck. This experience fulfilled a long-time dream and added a touch of fun to the demanding renovation process.
“I got to ride in a monster truck,” she reveals. “That might seem kind of silly, but I have boys, right? I’m a boy mom and so I’ve always loved monster trucks. I think they’re amazing. And I always said like, ‘Man, I want to go in a monster truck and I want to jump them. And lo and behold, in this little tiny town in Wyoming, they had a monster truck rally.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Rehab Addict
Nicole Curtis’s return to HGTV with ‘Rehab Addict’ marks a new chapter in her career and personal life. Her journey of resilience, combined with her unwavering passion for historic preservation, promises to inspire and captivate viewers. The upcoming season offers a blend of familiar faces, challenging projects, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for fans of home renovation and community revitalization.
As Curtis embarks on this new adventure, she invites viewers to join her in saving old houses and celebrating the stories they hold. Tune in to the new season of ‘Rehab Addict’ to witness the transformation and be inspired by Nicole Curtis’s unwavering commitment to making a difference, one house at a time.
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