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'It is a new start for me': Why is Fredrik Eklund leaving 'Million Dollar Listing'?

After a solid 11 years on the show, Fredrik Eklund has decided to shift his focus

Fredrik Eklund is officially saying his goodbyes to the 'Million Dollar Listing' franchise. A representative for the Bravo channel confirmed the same to PEOPLE that Eklund will not be getting back to the series going forward. 

Eklund, 44, has made appearances on both 'Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles' and 'Million Dollar Listing: New York'. The popular Bravo star took to Instagram on Monday, January 23, to announce that he would be calling it quits on both shows and looking onward toward his future.

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His Instagram post reads: "After an amazing 11 years, I've decided it's time for the next chapter in my life, and to leave Million Dollar Listing. It's an end of an era and a new start for me", talking more about his decision in doing so.

He continued, "I let Andy, the Producers and the Executives know last week how grateful I am. Eternally grateful, I mean what an incredible run we had together", and then went on to share a handful of the most special moments he had experienced for over more than a decade of filming the hit series. He also sincerely thanked his viewers for being eternally supportive throughout. 
 
Eklund also mentioned some of the big accomplishments that he has seen during his time on the show. One of these includes the fact that the Eklund Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman "has become the nation's largest and most prolific team that reached $4.5 billion in 2021". 

In his opinion, he says "It's time for my next chapter. There's more to do, new projects and experiences, my kids are growing and my business is pulling me in all sorts of exciting directions", he wrote toward the end of the post. "Thank you to Bravo, my cast mates from both coasts, and the incredible crew. We made television history together". 

In addition, a source told PEOPLE exclusively that "While he (Eklund) is really proud of Million Dollar Listing, this is the perfect time to say goodbye, as he's leaving to work on new projects and wants to end on a high note". 

Eklund is blessed with twins, Milla and Fredrik Jr., aged 4, with husband Derek Kaplan.

Learning about his decision, a fan tweeted, "It's the only reason I watch #MDLLA, I am obsessed with him!!!  Fredrik #MDLNY I hope he gets his own show @FredrikEklundNY", while another said, "I’m giving Fredrick a High Kick goodbye. It won’t be the same without him. He’s been the most entertaining cast member and I’ll miss him. #MillionDollarListing".

One fan shared, "I have loved watching him on MDLNY and him sharing his life with us (something the RHOBH crew should take note of). He is definitely a unique guy and I will miss him", while another said, "I love Fredrik! He is so funny! I didn’t realize it’s been 11 yrs…. I’m been a fan of both coasts since the beginning…. Thank you Fredrik!".