shocker: Longtime host Padma Lakshmi is leaving after the 20th season.Lakshmi announced her departure on Friday with a heartfelt message on social media, acknowledging that the decision to leave the Bravo cooking competition franchise was a «difficult» one.«After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave,» the 52-year-old 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.»«After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly.