After seventeen years of hosting one of the toughest reality shows ever, Padma Lakshmi leaves Best Chef. In accordance with Diversity, the appearance of the presenter during the upcoming finale of the twentieth season of the series will mark the end of the road for her. Lakshmi herself noted that it was time for her to move on, and after such a long run of the same competition, finding other projects that could suit her is at the top of her thoughts. It looks like an amicable split given the sheer amount of history between Best Chef and his owner, who turned the situation around in a friendly way.

“After much deliberation, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef,” Lakshmi said in her own statement. “Having wrapped up an amazing 20th season as host and executive producer, I am very proud to be a part of creating such a successful show and the impact it has had on the world of television and food. After 17 years, many of the cast and crew have become like family to me and I will greatly miss working with them. I feel like it’s time to move on and I need to make room for Taste of the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits.”

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At the beginning of each season, twelve to nineteen contestants enter the fray, where they will have to use all their skills to prevent elimination. Some express calls may grant immunity to the chef or result in an immediate expulsion in a strategy to spice up the scene for the public. Chefs also have limited access to outside information, effectively isolating them from the world during competition.

Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and Top Chef judge Padma Lakshmi at the judges' table.
Image via Bravo

What is Padma Lashki doing next?

Even if the host will not participate in the upcoming seasons Best ChefShe still has many projects to keep herself busy. For example, Lakshmi is currently leading Taste of the nation, a documentary series exploring the culture of some of the world’s most famous dishes. The series launched its second season last month and it remains to be seen if it will Hulu will take viewers on another journey of history, spices and travel. In the meantime, it will be sad for the team behind Best Chef see their longtime master go on another adventure.