Indian-born American TV show host and writer Padma Lakshmi is exiting ‘Top Chef’, the reality food show she has been anchoring since its Season 2, reports ‘Variety’.
The reality show announced on social media that ‘Top Chef’ Season 20 will be her last run with the beloved Bravo cooking competition series. Lakshmi’s news arrives just a week before the Season 20 finale, adds ‘Variety’.
“After much soul-searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave ‘Top Chef’,” Padma wrote in a statement. “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.”
‘Top Chef’ kicked off its run in 2006 with a San Francisco-set season hosted by Katie Lee Joel. Lakshmi joined the show in Season 2 and has served as host for 19 seasons.
Padma’s hosting stint on “Top Chef” has garnered her four Emmy nominations for outstanding reality show host. She has received an additional 10 Emmy nominations for outstanding competition as a producer on the show.
