Joe Bastianich will exit the franchise after 'MasterChef Junior' season 3, while the recently wrapped season 19 of 'DWTS' is the last for pro dancer Burke.
- Nov 27, 2014
AceShowbiz - "MasterChef" is losing one of its original members. Joe Bastianich, who has served as a key judge on the show since the first season as well as on "MasterChef Junior", will exit the franchise after the third season of the latter series.
"After several gratifying years as a judge on 'MasterChef' and 'MasterChef Junior', I have decided to step down from my role on the show," Bastianich says in a statement. "It has been a pleasure working alongside Gordon and Graham on five seasons of 'MasterChef' and three seasons of 'MasterChef' Junior, and I look forward to continuing my current collaborations with Shine America. 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."
"Joe has played an integral role in the success of both 'MasterChef' and 'MasterChef Junior', and we all appreciate his incredible culinary insight, sense of humor and passio," producers Shine America, One Potato Two Potato and Fox said in a joint statement. "He will always remain a member of the 'MasterChef' family."
Bastianich, however, will remain a judge on "MasterChef Italia". He will also be featured in season 2 of CNBC's "Restaurant Startup". The 46-year-old restaurateur and winemaker recently acquired Italian production company Todos Contentos and produces a travelogue food series "On the Road" for Italy's Sky Network.
"MasterChef Junior" is currently in the middle of its second season. The third season will premiere January 6. Producers are searching for a new judge to join returning judges Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot.
"MasterChef" is not the only show which is left by its longtime member. Cheryl Burke has decided not to return to "Dancing with the Stars" after her contract expired with the 19th season finale on Tuesday, November 25.
"Cheryl has been on the show for close to 10 years," executive producer Rob Wade confirmed the news to TheWrap. "She has done a great service to the show and I think she feels that it's time for her to move on."
The 30-year-old pro dancer joined "DWTS" in the second season and won the Mirror Ball trophy in the same season with Drew Lachey. She scored her second victory in the second season with Emmitt Smith.
