None of us can imagine Top Chef without Padma Lakshmi at the helm, telling contestants to please pack their knives and go (or sharing in the joy of who wins a season of the reality cooking competition).
But that’s what we’ll all have to deal with. Because on Friday, Lakshmi took to social media and informed the world she “made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.”
“I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits,” she wrote.
Here’s the statement, followed by fans who were crushed by the news:
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) June 2, 2023
Who is going to re-write "The Day The Music Died" for when we discovered Padma's leaving Top Chef?
— Guy Branum (@guybranum) June 2, 2023
We are all so destabilized about Padma leaving Top Chef. The vibes are shellshocked.
— Louis Peitzman (@LouisPeitzman) June 2, 2023
Padma is one of the most irreplaceable elements to any show.
I wouldn’t want to be the person tasked with replacing her. https://t.co/L014C3c5cg
— 'Nata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) June 2, 2023
This is going to be one tough host job to fill. Padma offers such a steady hand and warm heart throughout the chaos of these challenges. https://t.co/tsVXfStR9u
— Kyle Bella (@quixoticblazes) June 2, 2023
Padma leaving Top Chef. How will I make it through? pic.twitter.com/JCsBLyEmNo
— Jason P. Frank (@jasonspank) June 2, 2023
A devastating loss for Top Chef (and me), but so excited for Padma’s next chapter. https://t.co/LqbrtValJz
— Justin Kirkland (@justinkirkland4) June 2, 2023
Tough to process. Padma's truly not replaceable.
However, I need to mention that "Taste the Nation" is one of the better shows on TV. https://t.co/LE4Hw5uj6A
— Daniel Fienberg (@TheFienPrint) June 2, 2023
How you gon’ have Top Chef without Padma?! JUST END THE SHOW. pic.twitter.com/WgV2aAEhuU
— Talia (@taliacadet) June 2, 2023
