Padma Lakshmi Marks Her Final Episode as ‘Top Chef’ Host and Judge: ‘That’s a Wrap!’

Adele wants to know what Tom Sandoval’s whole deal is.

And Just Like ThatThough the season 2 premiere of started with Elton John and Britney Spears' «Hold Me Closer,» it really would have been more appropriate for episode two considering the A-list guest stars. In the words of Phoebe Buffay, «Hold me closer, Tony Danza!»On Thursday, Max dropped the first two episodes of the spinoff series.And though the start to the sophomore season was rather tame, the second episode did feature two standout guest appearances.Tony Danza was cast as himself playing the father of Ché Diaz (Sara Ramirez) in a pilot of the nonbinary comedian's life.Danza doesn't disappoint with Ché's girlfriend, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), cracking a Who's the Boss? joke and the actor claiming his fans are referred to as the «Danza-Lions.»Danza insists upon his character being Italian despite Ché's background as Mexican-Irish.«I've come too far to get canceled now!» Danza declares.But Tony's not the only memorable celebrity cameo.

Fans caught a glimpse of Carrie Fisher‘s last-ever onscreen appearance in the new “Wonderwell” trailer which dropped on Friday. It features Fisher’s final filmed project, which wrapped only six weeks before the late actress’ death in 2016.

Carrie Fisher's last-ever onscreen appearance in the new  trailer which dropped on Friday. It features Fisher's final filmed project, which wrapped only six weeks before the late actress' death in 2016. Following several delays due to Fisher's death, COVID lockdowns and budget constraints for visual effects, the film is now set to be released on June 23.

her new Hulu show “Vanderpump Villa.”According to the just-posted casting announcement, the openings include: Head Chef, Mixologist, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Housekeeper, Fine Dining Server, Event Coordinator, Event Assistant and Estate Manager.The staff will navigate every extravagant desire of their well-to-do guests in the French countryside under the watchful eye of Vanderpump, who, with husband Ken Todd, share decades of experience in the restaurant and nightclub industries.Vanderpump was born and raised in London, but lived in Monte Carlo and the South of France before moving to California.“I feel very close to France,” Vanderpump told TheWrap earlier this year after visiting Paris for the design fair Maison D’Object. “I lived in France for seven years.” One of her Vegas restaurants, Vanderpump à Paris, is French-themed, so she has a great affinity for the country and culture.Vanderpump fans will also recall that “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” filmed its Season 3 cast trip in Paris.Given “Vanderpump Villa” is being cast, it’ll have a different vibe than “Vanderpump Rules,” Bravo’s long-running show that started as series chronicling the lives of an existing group of friends employed at Vanderpump’s restaurant SUR.

Charna Flam This year’s Critics Choice Real TV Awards honored shows “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” “Top Chef,” and “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi,” with each series taking home two awards. All three shows won in the Best Show Host category, as RuPaul tied with Padma Lakshmi for both “Taste the Nation” and “Top Chef.” “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” took home the award for best ensemble cast in an unscripted series, while “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi” was awarded best structured series and “Top Chef” won best culinary show. The annual event continues to recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

Padma Lakshmi is opening up about preparing for her photoshoot for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor In the past few years, Hollywood has taken great strides to increase AAPI representation on screen, with a record number of Asians landing Emmy nominations and wins, from Sandra Oh’s recognition for “Killing Eve” to “Squid Game” picking up six trophies, including Lee Jung-jae for best actor in a drama series. This awards season, more AAPI actors fight for history-making nominations, including Ali Wong for “Beef” and the ensemble cast of “Yellowjackets.” Former nominees contending again this year are “Saturday Night Live’s” Bowen Yang and “Ted Lasso’s” Nick Mohammed.

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains spoilers from the Season 20 finale of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Buddha Lo became the first ever “Top Chef: World All-Stars” winner Thursday, beating out his finale competition Sara Bradley and Gabri Rodriguez in the Paris-set “Top Chef” Season 20 finale. But Lo’s win was historic beyond that special 20th anniversary season achievement, as he became the first “Top Chef” contestant to ever win two seasons back to back, having claimed victory in Season 19, “Top Chef: Houston.” Adding another layer of prestige, Lo has the honor of being the final contestant to be declared winner by Padma Lakshmi before she exits the cooking competition after 19 seasons as host.

Former “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi appeared on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” this week on Max to reflect on her 17 years hosting the cooking show.Wallace asked Lakshmi about the contestants and the intense conditions they perform under, from heat to crowdedness, and she of course added knives and fire.“You gotta be kind of a mad genius don’t you?” Wallace asked.“To a certain extent, yes, there is a personality type, and it’s not always the best chef that wins ‘Top Chef,’ it’s the guy or the woman who did the best that day,” Lakshmi said. “Sort of like the best team not necessarily wins the World Series, right? So it’s very compelling to watch.

Alison Herman TV Critic This is going to sound like a backhanded compliment, but I mean it: One of Padma Lakshmi’s most valuable skills as the host of “Top Chef” — a major part of what will be missed when Lakshmi departs the show after the June 8 finale — is product placement. In the crowded, sometimes tawdry world of reality competitions, “Top Chef” is unique in its credibility. The show is effective entertainment, but over 20 seasons in 17 years, the Bravo mainstay has also established itself as an arbiter of taste on par with the Michelin guide. Some of that authority comes from longevity; some from Lakshmi’s fellow judges, chef Tom Colicchio and editor Gail Simmons; some from casting, which has generated a talent pool so formidable that the show frequently circles back to its own alumni, including for this season’s London-set World All Stars. But a great deal of it comes from Lakshmi, a presence so commanding she can deliver phrases like “the Glad family of products” and “furnished by San Pellegrino” without disrupting the show’s carefully constructed sense of gravitas.

It doesn’t sound like Tom Sandoval will be winning fans back over any time soon.

Gail Simmons is sharing her thoughts on Padma Lakshmi‘s decision to exit Top Chef.

Amy Barlow faces a fresh setback in Coronation Street as she continues to risk a court appearance after outing Aaron Sandford as a rapist. Last month, viewers of the ITV soap saw Amy accused of harassment after spotting former friend Aaron's old flame Mia at the garage, and told her he raped her.

Gogglebox stars Pete Sandiford and Ellie Warner both revealed names for their newborn babies in the series finale. Pete revealed during Friday’s (June 2) episode that he and his wife Paige had seen their family grow in number, with the reality star holding the baby as he appeared in the show alongside sister Sophie.

Padma Lakshmi announced Friday she was leaving after 17 years following the current season, surprising fans of the beloved Bravo cooking competition series.The 52-year-old food expert and author, whose name has become synonymous with the Emmy-winning program, shared in an emotional message on social media that she came to the «difficult decision» to exit after «much soul searching.» Lakshmi's surprise announcement comes just one week before the finale of season 20,, is set to air. «Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer,» she wrote, «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.»But what some fans may not know is Lakshmi, who hosts Hulu's food travel series , wasn't with the cooking competition show when it debuted in March 2006. The TV personality replaced cookbook author and food critic Katie Lee, who lasted only one season as host, in the sophomore cycle — and the rest is history. According to 's oral history of , which was published in May, Lakshmi had actually met with executives at NBCUniversal before the cooking competition show even premiered, pitching a dinner party series.

Padma Lakshmi announced Friday she was leaving after 17 years following the current season, surprising fans of the beloved Bravo cooking competition series.The 52-year-old food expert and author, whose name has become synonymous with the Emmy-winning program, shared in an emotional message on social media that she came to the «difficult decision» to exit after «much soul searching.» Lakshmi's surprise announcement comes just one week before the finale of season 20,, is set to air. «Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer,» she wrote, «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.»But what some fans may not know is Lakshmi, who hosts Hulu's food travel series , wasn't with the cooking competition show when it debuted in March 2006. The TV personality replaced cookbook author and food critic Katie Lee, who lasted only one season as host, in the sophomore cycle — and the rest is history. According to 's oral history of , which was published in May, Lakshmi had actually met with executives at NBCUniversal before the cooking competition show even premiered, pitching a dinner party series.

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.

After nearly two decades, Padma Lakshmi is hanging up her chef hat as she announces her departure from NBC’s “Top Chef”.

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi)Bravo issued a statement on Lakshmi’s departure, saying, “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.”Though Lakshmi came to be the face of the Bravo competition series, she wasn’t its original host. “Top Chef’s” first season was presented by chef Katie Lee with Lakshmi taking over the role in 2006.