'Masterchef' Judge Graham Elliot Leaving the Reality TV Show

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Another familiar face is saying goodbye to FOX's "Masterchef," as Entertainment Weekly reports that Graham Elliot is departing the five-year-old reality television series. The announcement came via his official Twitter account, where he posted his statement with the caption, "Hey @GordonRamsay @Jbastianich @ChristinaTosi @MASTERCHEFonFOX @MasterChefJrFOX ~ it's been a hell of a ride! XOXO"

The Wrap reports that according to Elliot, "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 6 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," the 38 year old chef wrote, as per Vulture, which also reports that Elliot is also ceasing to be the judge in the show's spin-off, "Masterchef Junior" at the end of its current season. A new judge will be announced come 2016.

FOX, together with Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, the production company behind the reality series, released a joint statement saying, "Graham has been an incredible judge and mentor both on 'MasterChef' and 'MasterChef Junior.' He’s provided insightful guidance and support to hundreds of participants who have entered the ‘MasterChef’ kitchen and he has played an integral role in discovering some of the country’s greatest home cooks."

"Graham will always be a part of our ‘MasterChef’ family and we wish him all the best in his next chapter," the statement read.

"Masterchef" star and notorious judge, chef Gordon Ramsay said, "We’ve all loved having Graham as part of the MasterChef family, and the exciting and interesting part of reality television is that it’s always evolving and changing."

Back in November 2014, judge Joe Bastianich also left "Masterchef," and earlier this year, E! Online reported that Bastianich looks upon his work with the show fondly, saying, "I had a great experience. It was a show that changed my life."

Bastianich moved on to work on the CNBC reality television show "Restaurant Startup". Meanwhile, "Masterchef" is set to return to FOX in 2016.

Hey @GordonRamsay @Jbastianich @ChristinaTosi @MASTERCHEFonFOX @MasterChefJrFOX ~ it's been a hell of a ride! XOXO pic.twitter.com/xCSRRJRBde

— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) December 19, 2015