"MasterChef" Joe Bastianich confirmed that he is leaving the show. Bastianich is a longtime judge of FOX cooking reality show competition and the "New York Restaurateur." These are the two shows of the said network in which Bastianich starred since they started. He said the he will leave both show by next year.
Last Wednesday, he said through his Facebook, "After several gratifying years as a judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, I have decided not to return for a sixth season. As co-owner and partner of the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, as well as Eataly throughout the Americas, I will be focusing my time and energies on their continued global expansion." This is one of the main reasons why Bastianich decided to leave.
Joe Bastianich is known about his strict and direct to the point critiques. His sharp comments made each of the aspiring chefs to become better and might even best on their chose field, making the said program very helpful to audiences especially those who are planning to have their own restaurants.
Graham Elliott, Bastianich's colleague refused to give her comments about this, but the network is already in the process of looking for the best replacement for Bastianich, according the reports of E! Online.
Based on E! News the producers Shine America together with FOX network and Two Potato said in the statement, "Joe has played an integral role in the success of both "MasterChef" and "MasterChef Junior." We all appreciate his incredible culinary insight, sense of humor and passion. He will always remain a member of the MasterChef family."
Bastianich also expressed his heart-full gratitude to FOX as well as his colleagues Graham and Gordon during the five seasons that they've been together. Such journey was tough for them as well as fun. However, Bastianich said that he is still looking forward that he can still continue his present partnership with Shine America.
