Padma Lakshmi has quit ‘Top Chef’ after 17 years.

Padma Lakshmi announced her departure from Bravo’s hit cooking competition.Chef”, after 17 years and 19 seasons.

Lakshmi, who joined the show in its second season, expressed pride in her role as host and executive producer, saying it was time to move on and make room for her other creative pursuits, including the critically acclaimed Hulu series “Taste the Nation. “

Read on to learn more.

Padma Lakshmi retires from ‘Top Chef’

Celebrity chef and television personality Padma Lakshmi is bidding farewell to her long-running stint on the culinary competition ‘Top Chef’. After an impressive 17 years and 19 seasons, the 52-year-old star took to social media on Friday to share the news of her departure from the Bravo show.

In a heartfelt statement Instagram, Lakshmi revealed her decision, stating, “After much soul-searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.” “Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been a part of building such a successful show.”

Both the host and the judge emphasized that they want to embrace new opportunities and businesses. He highlighted the critically acclaimed Hulu series “Taste the Nation,” which is currently in its second season.

“I feel it is time to move on and make room for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits,” he added.

The Bravo family bids farewell to Padma Lakshmi

In an unforgettable partnership, Lakshmi shared the spotlight with judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons during her 17-year tenure on “Top Chef.”

As news of her departure broke, members of the Bravo family, including season 19 winner Buddha Lo and network host Andy Cohen, flocked to her Twitter post to express their feelings.

Reflecting on their time together, Cohen wrote: “The end of an era and an incredible run. You were an amazing partner and a BRILLIANT host. I have very good memories of our TC days.” Lo added, “I feel honored to be a part of your magical journey.”

In her statement, Lakshmi shared her heartfelt feelings about the close-knit cast and crew who have become like family over 17 years. “After 17 years, many of the cast and crew members are like family to me and I will miss working with them very much,” he wrote.

He ended his announcement with a message to the devoted viewers of the show. “I am deeply grateful to all of you for your love and support over the years,” she said.

“You will always be part of the best chef”

Since she joined the show in the second season in 2006, Lakshmi has left an indelible mark on the show and its devoted fan base. The first season of “Top Chef” was hosted by Katie Lee Biegel.

in a statement shared with People magazine, an NBCUniversal spokesperson thanked Lakshmi for her invaluable contributions to the award-winning series, noting, “Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo’s Top Chef. His influence on Emmy, James Beard, and Critics’ Choice award-winning series is undeniable.”

They added, “We are grateful to Padma for being the consummate host, judge and executive producer, and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional taste to every bite-sized episode of the show for over 17 years and 19 seasons. He will always be a part of the Top Chef and NBCUniversal family, and he can always sit at the judges’ table.”

Padma Lakshmi stuns Sports Illustrated

Over the past year, Lakshmi has had a variety of experiences. From gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine to launching the highly anticipated second season of her show “Taste the Nation”.

His is striking Sports Illustrated swimsuit Lakshmi donned a stunning bikini with shimmering gold sequins. Talented photographer Yu Tsai captured Lakshmi in Dominica, who at the age of 52 questioned beauty standards and embraces her body.

“I want everyone to see this picture and understand that sometimes well over 40, a whole new phase can happen that’s even more exciting than anything you’ve ever experienced.” “I love where I am in my life and I know my body is by no means perfect, but I feel beautiful. I feel that I have a very lucky, fruitful and productive life.”