Padma Lakshmi QUITS Top Chef: Host exits hit show after 17 years

Padma Lakshmi has quit Top Chef after 19 seasons as host. 

The star, 52, announced her departure on Instagram on Friday, where she revealed her decision stemmed from a desire to move onto ‘other creative pursuits’ after 17 years on the Bravo show,

She wrote: ‘After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef. 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.’

‘After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly, I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits. 

‘I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support. Sincerely, Padma.’

Goodbye: Padma Lakshmi has quit Top Chef after 19 seasons as host. The star, 52, announced her departure on Instagram on Friday (pictured with Sam Bompas)

Farewell: The star, 52, announced her departure on Instagram on Friday, where she revealed her decision stemmed from a desire to move onto ‘other creative pursuits’ after 17 years on the Bravo show

Top Chef began in 2006 and was hosted by Katie Lee Joel. Lakshmi began hosting the show in season 2.

She has scored four Emmy nominations for  outstanding reality show host and 10 Emmy nominations for outstanding competition program as a producer on the show.

Padma shares 13-year-old daughter Krishna Thea, with venture capitalist Adam Dell, brother of computer magnate Michael Dell.

She was married to novelist Salman Rushdie from 2004 – 2007.