Steven Sabados reflects on Chris Hyndman and the 'strength that he gave me'

Chris Hyndman'szest for life and love of laughter were obvious to anyone he encountered whether family, friends or fans. But they're also a few of the traits his longtime partner StevenSabados misses the most about the late TV host.

Laughter waskey to the couple's successful relationship."We laughed a lot," Sabadostold CBC News in his first interview since Hyndman's sudden death last summer.

The "strength he gave me" is also something Sabados misses about Hyndman, who was found without vital signs in a laneway near the duo's Toronto home on Aug. 3.

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"He protected me so much. He was my pit bull, my Rottweiler. Nothing could ever hurt me," an emotional Sabados recalled.

The couple met in 1988 in Toronto, with Hyndman joining Sabados at his design firm in 1992.

They found success in the lifestyle TV genre, first on HGTV with shows like Designer Guys, Design Rivals and Chic with Steven and Chris. In 2008, they launched the daytime show Steven and Chris on CBC-TV.

Throughout their shared television career, the couple's relationship infused their on-air appearances with genuine warmth, wit and honest banter, helping endear them to audiences across Canada and abroad.

Hyndman'sdeath inspired a massive outpouring of condolences and support.

'I talk all the time at home' to him: Steven Sabados on the late Chris Hyndman

8 years ago

Duration 0:47

The TV host talks to CBC News following the death of his longtime partner and co-host.

As Sabadoscontinues with his life and his career, he can't help but long for his exuberant and imaginative partner.

"He was the idea guy. He was never the follow-through guy," Sabados recalled. "He was always three weeks ahead and I just had to do the catch-up. So I miss that. Just that energy of moving forward."

Watch more of Heather Hiscox's interview with Steven SabadosTuesday night onThe National.