Joe Bastianich Leaving 'MasterChef' Franchise

Joe Bastianich, the restaurateur who is a judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior alongside Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot, is leaving the franchise.

Bastianich will leave after the end of MasterChef Junior's third season, which is due to premiere on January 6th. The show currently airs Fridays on FOX.

"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 passion," FOX revealed in a joint statement with producers Shine America and One Potato Two Potato. "He will always remain a member of the Masterchef family."

For his part, Bastianich is positive on his experience with the MasterChef franchise.

"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 said 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."

Reportedly, the search is already underway for a new judge to replace him. Any suggestions on who could fill Bastianich's shoes?

Credit: FOX