The MasterChef franchise in the United States will be losing judge Joe Bastianich in the near future.

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Bastianich has been with MasterChef since its run began in 2010. He also has been with MasterChef Junior since it began airing just last year.

On Monday, The Daily Meal reported via Variety that Bastianich plans on leaving the franchise after the upcoming third season of MasterChef Junior, which is due to air in January.

Bastianich is a restaurateur and foodie entrepreneur who is known for his blunt and often critical assessments as a judge on the shows.

Shine America, the production team behind MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, is currently looking for a third judge to replace Bastianich and join the team alongside Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot, but no decisions have been made yet. 

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In a statement released by the show's producers it was said, "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."

The producers added, "He will always remain a member of the MasterChef family."

Bastianich will remain a judge on Italy's version of the show, MasterChef Italia. He will also continue producing a travelogue series called On the Road for Italy's Sky Network, and will be a mentor/host on CNBC's Restaurant Startup. He also recently acquired an Italian production banner, Todos Contentos.

Who do you think should replace Bastianich?

Tags: masterchef fox television MasterChef Junior