'Top Chef' star makes stunning announcement about show's future

wonderwall.com:

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi)Following the annoucement, a NBCUniversal spokesperson told People magazine: "Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo's 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."  On the heels of the Instagram post, many of Padma's celebrity pals weighed in. "End of an era and an incredible run.

You were such an amazing partner and a BRILLIANT host," Andy Cohen commented. "I have such great memories of our TC days."Buddha Lo, the winner of "Top Chef" season 19, wrote, "I feel honored to be a part of your magical journey @padmalakshmi."Padma's announcement comes just days before the finale of "Top Chef World All-Stars" is set to air.The body of Jefferson Machado, a South American soap star who has been missing for four months, was found encased in cement, stuffed in a trunk and buried in the ground, according to a media reports.