In a statement released to Twitter today, Padma Lakshmi announced that she is leaving Top Chef after 20 seasons in part so that she can focus on her other series, Taste the Nation, as well as other “creative pursuits.”

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— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) June 2, 2023

She may have also decided that she did not want to eat an insane amount of calories for another cycle of the series. It is a shocking departure for Lakshmi, who has essentially been the face of Top Chef over the course of its run. The series can continue without her but I’m not sure it will be the same.

The finale for the 20th season of Top Chef airs next week.