Padma Lakshmi is set to exit Bravo’s Top Chef after Season 20 wraps in the coming weeks.
The longtime reality host made the announcement via her personal Instagram page, sharing that she is “deeply thankful” for the opportunity.
“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef,” the Bravolebrity posted. “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 world of television and food.”
“After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working along side them dearly,” she continued. “I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books, and other creative pursuits. I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support.”
Padma Lakshmi has been the host of the long-running Top Chef for 19 of the 20 seasons it has been on Bravo (with Katie Lee hosting the first season) so her exit is in fact pretty shocking.
In her statement, Padma mentioned her show Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi which returned to Hulu with its second season on May 5th so it’s possible that series has been renewed again.
Top Chef airs Thursdays on Bravo.
