Padma Lakshmi leaves ‘High Chef’ after 19 seasons: ‘Time to maneuver on’

Goodbye, Chef!

Padma Lakshmi introduced Friday that she might be leaving “High Chef” after 19 seasons and 17 years on the cooking competitors present.

“After a lot soul looking out, I’ve made the tough resolution to depart ‘High Chef,’” she penned in a press release shared by way of social media, days earlier than the Season 20 finale.

“Having accomplished an excellent twentieth season as host and government producer, I’m extraordinarily proud to have been a part of constructing such a profitable present and of the affect it has had within the worlds of tv and meals,” she continued.

After nearly twenty years on the fact sequence, the India-born TV character, 52, described “most of the forged and crew” members to be “like household” to her, including that she “will miss working alongside them dearly.”

Lakshmi defined that she feels “it’s time to maneuver on” and “make area for” her Hulu present, “Style the Nation” — which follows her on her travels round cities in the US to study particular meals and cultures — in addition to her quite a few books “and different inventive pursuits.”

“I’m deeply grateful to all of you for therefore a few years of affection and assist,” she concluded, signing off, “Sincerely, Padma.”

Lakshmi has starred on “High Chef” since Season 2, which premiered in October 2006. Her alternative has not but been named.

After she shared the information, NBCUniversal launched a press release about her departure, calling her “a consummate host, choose and government producer” who “leaves behind an unimaginable legacy.”

For extra Web page Six actuality TV updates

The media firm went on to supply the creator and activist “a seat on the judges’ desk anytime.”

Fellow Bravo stars — together with “High Chef” Season 19 winner Buddha Lo and “Housewives” honcho Andy Cohen — gave Lakshmi her flowers by way of sentimental feedback left beneath her Instagram publish.

“I really feel honored to be part of your magical journey,” Lo gushed, as Cohen added, “Finish of an period and an unimaginable run. You had been such a tremendous companion and a BRILLIANT host. I’ve such nice reminiscences of our TC days ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”

The “High Chef” Season 20 finale airs Thursday evening on Bravo.