Graham Elliot leaving ‘MasterChef,’ ‘MasterChef Junior’

When we reported on an upcoming “MasterChef” celebrity special on Friday, it struck us that the name Graham Elliot was not mentioned at any point in the story. Now, we know that there is a reason for that: The Chicago-based chef is leaving the franchise. The fourth season of “MasterChef Junior” is set to be the last time that you see him on the show.

In a statement, Elliot had the following to say:

“It has been an awesome experience to be part of the MasterChef family … I learned so much from the people I got to work with and it has been a true honor to share my love of cooking with the audiences who have allowed me into their homes over the last six years. I remain committed to using my passion for cooking as a way to entertain and teach people of all ages and will be making some exciting announcements about the next steps of that journey in the new year.”

Elliot was a popular edition to the panel, known for his humor, enthusiasm, and sympathetic feeling towards the contestants. He, Gordon Ramsay, and Joe Bastianich were the founding fathers of the series so many years ago; Bastianich left last year, and has been replaced with Christina Tosi. She and Ramsay will be moving forward with the franchise.

What does this mean for “MasterChef” moving forward? Mostly, that they need to find someone who can capture Elliot’s passion while bringing something new to the panel. The show’s not going to be the same without him?

If you missed it, you can head over here to read some more about the potential celebrity special; meanwhile, sign up here to get some other TV news on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Fox.)