Out Celebrity Chef Kristen Kish Takes the Reigns as 'Top Chef' Host

Out celebrity chef Kristen Kish has hosted numerous television shows, from "Fast Foodies" to "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend," to "Restaurants at the End of the World." Now she's taking the reigns of "Top Chef."

Kish, 39, "won the 10th season of Bravo's culinary competition and has served as a guest judge several times since," The Hollywood Reporter recalled.

THR added that with the show going into its 21st season, Kish "will take over for Padma Lakshmi," who had hosted the competition reality series since its second season.

CNN noted that the "Top Chef" Twitter account made the announcement on July 11.

Lakshmi responded to the news with a tweet of her own: "I'm so proud of you @KristenLKish and am over the moon that you'll be taking over for me on @BravoTopChef!"

Added Lakshmi: "I'll be rooting for you and our whole crew next season. Congratulations!"

"Kish also took to social media to mark the news, saying in a video testimonial that it felt like a 'homecoming and a full-circle moment' for her," CNN relayed.

"Sources say the search for a new host focused on past 'Top Chef' competitors who have other on-camera experience," a set of qualifications that meant "Kish quickly became a frontrunner for the job," THR imparted.

"'Top Chef' will set up its kitchen in Wisconsin for the coming season, focusing on Milwaukee and Madison. Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons will once again sit at the judges' table," THR noted.