“Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi is stepping down after 19 seasons and 17 years on the hit reality competition series. She announced the news via Instagram post on Friday.
“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave ‘Top Chef,’” Lakshmi wrote on Instagram. “I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits [sic].”
“I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support,” she added.