Leighton Denny has always struck me as being down to earth and sincere. As for 'jumping ship' only he knows the truth. I got the impression from a staff member at the spa that he 'lost' his contract rather than walked away from it which is why I felt sad to hear that his range had been replaced. But it is hearsay and again only Leighton knows what went on. There are several business owners who don't bother to come and present on QVC. Do people think that Lulu Guinness thinks a shopping channel is beneath her? Why doesn't Liz Earlie present as she did before? There will be reasons why they don't. As per the topic of the thread, I do think it makes a difference when the actual designer presents - for example, Leighton, and I don't think it would be the same if Joan Collins sent an understudy to present her range.
Since the Avon take over, Liz Earle is only contracted to work 28 days per year for the company. Judging by a tweet from her daughter (which she quickly deleted), it wasn't Liz's choice. It all happened not long after Kim (the other founder) left the company as well.
It's only really her name on the brand now. She isn't involved in much else really apart from a bit of promotion.