The host's seat at Top Chef has just been reserved. Last month, the Bravo show's long-running host Padma Lakshmi announced she was stepping down after 17 years.
“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,” she said in a statement at the time.
A little over a month later, Top Chef has announced who will be replacing Padma, and it turns out they didn't have to look too far.
On Tuesday, Bravo revealed in a press release that former show winner Kristen Kish will join Season 21 as host.
Kristen won Season 10 and has since appeared on the show as a guest judge.
“Top Chef is where I started my journey — first as a competing chef, then a guest judge and now as host I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand,” Kristen said in a press release. “I’m thrilled to sit alongside Gail [Simmons] and Tom [Colicchio] as we get to know new incredible chefs and see what they cook up. It feels like coming home."
Kristen also shared the news in a video on Top Chef's Instagram page:
Don't worry, as Kristen said in her statement, longtime judges Tom and Gail are sticking to their posts for the upcoming 21st season.
Padma congratulated Kristen in an Instagram Story, saying "I am so proud of you and will be rooting for you and the rest of the crew next season!"
Bravo also revealed the filming location for Season 21: the contestants and judges will head to the Wisconsin cities of Milwaukee and Madison, which means challenges involving beer and cheese should be expected.
A Season 21 premiere date has not been announced.
Catch up on all previous 20 seasons of Top Chef on Peacock.