Prior to the 21st season of the popular cooking programme Top Chef, veteran host and producer Padma Lakshmi made the announcement that she would be leaving the show’s kitchen.
Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi is leaving
On Friday, Padma Lakshmi posted the announcement to Twitter and Instagram, stating that she had decided after “much soul-searching.”
The TV personality, model, and author said, “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. I have completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer.”
Many of the actors and crew have become like family to me after 17 years, and I shall sincerely miss working with them. In reference to her upcoming Hulu show, Taste the Nation, in which she travels the country sampling food, Lakshmi continued, “I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for my books, other artistic endeavours, and other creative interests.
Lakshmi, who joined Top Chef in 2006, said, “I am sincerely grateful to all of you for so many years of love and support.” In the US and other nations where sister competitions were established, it gained popularity.
Also Read : ‘Sex and the City’ Revival Will See Kim Cattrall’s Quick Return
In reference to the network that airs the programme, “Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo’s Top Chef,” an NBCUniversal representative told Deadline.
“Her influence on the Critics’ Choice, James Beard, and Emmy Award-winning series is unmistakable. We are grateful to Padma for being an excellent presenter, judge, and executive producer as well as for bringing her creativity and exquisite palate to every episode over the course of the show’s 17-year run and 19-season run. She has a seat at the judges’ table at any moment and will always be a part of the Top Chef and NBCUniversal families, the statement continued.
Fans responded to Lakshmi’s statement with a flood of texts, with some asking, “How could you do this to me, question mark?” and others mimicking the catchphrase from the programme used to announce the elimination of a chef, “Please don’t pack your knives and go,”
“I’m glad for you, but I’m sad for the rest of us. Without you, TopChef won’t be the same, a different user remarked on Instagram.