Top Chef host to depart after 17 years

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is departing the US contest after 17 years.

Lakshmi, who also produces the show, is leaving the cooking show after its 20th season, Top Chef: World All-Stars.

“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef. Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and exec producer, I am extremely proud to have been a part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food,” she wrote on social media.

“After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly. I feel it’s time to move and need to make space for Taste The Nation, my books and other creative pursuits,” she added. “I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support.”

Top Chef’s 20th season was set in London and featured 16 competitors from adaptations around the globe. Lakshmi hosted alongside head judge Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.

“Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo’s Top Chef,” and NBCUniversal spokesperson said. “Her impact on the Emmy, James Beard and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series is undeniable. We are grateful to Padma for being a consummate host, judge and executive producer, and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional palate to each episode where she ate every bite of food on the series for over 17 years and 19 seasons. She will always be part of the Top Chef and the NBCUniversal family and has a seat at the judges’ table anytime.”

Top Chef screens on Hayu and 7Bravo.

Source: Deadline