'MasterChef' season 7: Judge Graham Elliot exits the show

(Facebook/Masterchef)Graham Elliot

"MasterChef" has already been renewed for a seventh season. The announcement was made last year in July. The same announcement also said that all of the judges--Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Christina Tosi--would return for the upcoming season. Joe Bastianich previously judged for the reality cooking competition show but exited and was replaced by Tosi. However, now, another judge has followed suit.

Elliot, a Michelin-starred chef, has revealed that he will be leaving the show. 

"It has been an awesome experience to be part of the 'MasterChef' family," he said. "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 six years."

The Chicago-based chef will also be exiting "MasterChef Junior," another reality cooking competition show under the "MasterChef" title which showcases children as contestants.

Although it is still unknown who will take Elliot's place, Ramsay has shared on his Instagram page that a winner has already been declared. The post also included a photo of Ramsay and Tosi, smiling side by side for the camera. The caption read: "We crowned a champion on Friday and we're ready to find America's next 'MasterChef' ! 'MC7' here we go !"

A photo posted by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram) on

Instagram/gordongram

Last season, it was Claudia Sandoval who took home the trophy, cash prize and cook book deal. Sandoval hails from La Mesa, California, and was an events manager prior to joining the reality competition. The feisty red-haired amateur cook was the only woman standing in the top 3. She beat out Stephen (who came in third place), a loud urban gardener from Palm Springs, California, and Derrick (who came in second place), a drummer from Ft. Myers, Florida.

No official premiere date has been announced for "Masterchef" season 7, but it is speculated that it will either be in May or June 2016. 

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