Padma Lakshmi to quit Top Chef after 17 years
3 min read
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Padma Lakshmi recently announced her exit from the famous cooking reality show Top Chef after 17 years.
Here is everything you need to know.
Why is Padma Lakshmi leaving Top Chef after 17 years?
Padma Lakshmi took to her official Instagram account on 2nd June to bid goodbye to Top Chef after being a part of it for nearly 17 years.
She wrote, ‘After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.’
She continued, ‘Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food.’
Moreover, it seems like the 52-year-old model has decided to quit Top Chef in order to focus on her other projects like Hulu’s Taste the Nation.
After 17 years and 19 seasons, Padma Lakshmi is departing #TopChef. She will always be part of the Top Chef family and has a seat at the judges’ table anytime. "Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of… pic.twitter.com/kqieuwNcgY
— Bravo Top Chef (@BravoTopChef) June 2, 2023Advertisement
The travel and food docu-series first aired on 18th June three years back in 2020. It was further renewed for a second season which premiered this year on 5th May.
Besides that, a short holiday version of the show was aired on 4th November 2021.
In addition, Lakshmi also wants to give her more attention to writing. If you didn’t know, she is already a published author and has released five books including a memoir called Love, Loss and What We Ate.
Also, Lakshmi has earned four Emmy nominations in the category of Outstanding Reality Show Host.
Meanwhile, her declaration comes before the season finale of the food reality series. Top Chef season 20 will be the last time Lakshmi will be seen hosting the series. She has begun to host the show since its second season in 2006 after Chef Katie Lee’s exit following the first season.
Social media users react to Padma Lakshmi departing Top Chef
Many fans took to their respective social media accounts to express their feeling after Padma Lakshmi announced her departure from Top Chef.
A fan wrote, ‘You are one of the best hosts on TV. Really going to miss you on Top Chef, but absolutely love Taste of Nation. You’re an icon.’
Someone else chimed in to say, ‘You made the show what it is. Thank you for helping us find out strength to cook with our hearts. I’m excited for your new chapter. Love you.’
A different fan penned, ‘you’re a legend!! cannot wait to see where Taste the Nation goes and everything else you have in store!!!’
Another user commented, ‘Wherever your soul leads you, we will follow!’
I’m not sure ld watch it without her. Does anyone know why she’s leaving?
— GG (@4ggGail) June 2, 2023
I was not a fan of hers pre pandemic but appreciated her during and since. It’s definitely sad but all the best to her. Excited for the new host!
— Luce (@LuCeeLu3) June 2, 2023
Best wishes for the future. We’ll miss you on Top Chef. Don’t know how they can replace you💔looking forward to more #TastetheNation on @hulu #packyourknivesandgo
— Pat Rainer (@rebel7449) June 2, 2023
I'm so sad to see this news. @PadmaLakshmi has been such an important part of @BravoTopChef , which is simply my favourite show. Her departure leaves a big pair of shoes to fill. Thanks Padma for bringing so much to the show. You will be truly missed
— Mark Garrison (@MarkGarrison1) June 3, 2023
