Top Chef announces that previous winner will replace Padma Lakshmi as the new presenter as the star leaves the show after 19 seasons
TOP Chef has finally announced who will replace Padma Lakshmi as the new host of the long-running Bravo reality competition series.
One of the series’ previous winners will take on the role as Padma departs after 19 seasons in the role.
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Padma, who has been a presenter on Top Chef since Season 2, announced her departure last month.
Now Season 10 winner Kristen Kish has been chosen to replace her TVLine.
In a statement, Kristen shared that she has become the new host: “It was at Top Chef that my journey began – first as a competitive chef, then as a guest judge and now as a host.
“I have the honor of helping to further build this brand.
“I’m really happy to be sitting next to him [judges] gail [Simmons] and Tom [Colicchio] while we meet new incredible chefs and see what they cook. It feels like coming home.”
After the news broke, Padma sent Kristen her support with a kind message on social media.
She tweeted: “So proud of you @KristenLKish and so happy to have you covering @BravoTopChef for me!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and our entire crew next season. Congratulations!!” !”
Padma also included a smiling photo of the two.
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In response, Kristen gushed, “Thank you for your friendship and care over the years. I love her. I hope to make you proud!”
In June, Padma posted a note online about her exit from the program, writing, “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.”
The Bravo star continued, “Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been a part of such a successful show and its impact on the world of television and the hospitality industry.”
“After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working with them very much.”
Revealing that her career is now taking a new direction, she wrote, “I feel like it’s time to move on and make room for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits.”
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