Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Duff Goldman Absent from Baking Championship; Welcomes Baby!

12/16/2025

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Duff Goldman, the main judge of the Holiday Baking Championship, disappeared during the December 8 episode and will not return for the semi-finals or finale.
Host Jesse Palmer joked that his absence was due to a Chrismukkah party.
Stephanie Boswell will replace him for the semi-finals.
Fans expressed confusion over the departure.
Duff Goldman announced he and his wife are expecting their second child and opened a new restaurant in Atlanta.

1 of 1

Story summary

Duff Goldman, the main judge of the Holiday Baking Championship, disappeared during the December 8 episode and will not return for the semi-finals or finale.
Host Jesse Palmer joked that his absence was due to a Chrismukkah party.
Stephanie Boswell will replace him for the semi-finals.
Fans expressed confusion over the departure.
Duff Goldman announced he and his wife are expecting their second child and opened a new restaurant in Atlanta.