Indian American model and author Padma Lakshmi has announced that she will be exiting the long-running cooking show, Top Chef.
In a statement posted on social media, Lakshmi said Top Chef season 20 will be her last run with the beloved cooking competition series, which airs on NBC's Bravo cable network.
"After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef," the host, cookbook author, and former model wrote.
"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,” she added.
Lakshmi, who started hosting Top Chef from season two onwards in 2006, said she will miss working with the cast and crew who are like a family to her.
"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," she said, referring to her new Hulu show.
"I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support,” she added.
Lakshmi's Hulu series Taste the Nation sees her travelling around the US to enjoy different regional cuisines. The show's second season was released on May 5.
A spokesperson of NBCUniversal said Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy with her work on Top Chef.
"Her impact on the Emmy, James Beard, and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series is undeniable. We are grateful to Padma for being a consummate host, judge, and executive producer, and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional palate to each episode where she ate every bite of food on the series for over 17 years and 19 seasons.
"She will always be part of the Top Chef and the NBCUniversal family and has a seat at the judges’ table anytime,” the spokesperson added.
Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images 
Abhishek Bachchan calls Aishwarya a devoted mother and partnerGetty Images
Aaradhya is now taller than Aishwarya says Abhishek in candid interviewGetty Images
Aishwarya Rai often seen with daughter Aaradhya at public eventsGetty Images
Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video 
Ranveer Singh’s role as Varun showed he could command the screen without saying much
The period romance Lootera became a turning point in Ranveer Singh’s career
Ranveer Singh’s performance in Lootera was praised for its emotional restraint
Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha starred in the romantic drama set in 1950s BengalYoutube/Altt Balaji Motion Pictures 
Lootera’s legacy has grown over the years despite its modest box office runYoutube/Altt Balaji Motion Pictures
AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/
Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in BirminghamGetty Images 
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath reunite in Birmingham for farewell concert after two decades Getty Images 
Priyanka Chopra calls herself nascent in Hollywood as 'Heads of State' streams on Prime VideoGetty Images 
Priyanka Chopra wants to build her English film portfolio after Bollywood successGetty Images 
Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena attend the special screening for "Head of State" Getty Images