The kitchens on Top Chef VIP 4 have been busier than ever, and so have the exit doors. Contestants are packing their knives almost every day. This past Tuesday night, it was Cuban actress Yani Prado who had to leave the cooking show. Her departure marked the ninth elimination this season.
Yani had already received a temporary leave from the show’s producers a few days prior. But then, host Carmen Villalobos broke the news to the other celebrities. Yani would not be coming back. The update left many of the stars looking downcast.
Why Yani Prado Left ‘Top Chef VIP 4’
The show didn’t share many details. They said it was a personal matter. But Carmen Villalobos did explain it involved a family issue. "Sadly, the situation is very complicated," she shared. "It needs all of her attention right now." The Colombian host confirmed, "Yani won’t be able to continue with us." Actor Juan Soler spoke for many. "It hurts because of what she’s going through," he said. "We wish her all the best."
To make sure everyone understood, Yani Prado recorded a special video message. It aired during the show. In the clip, she spoke directly to the viewers and her fellow contestants: "Hello, as you know, I haven’t been able to be on the program. I’m dealing with some personal matters. They need all my attention and presence right now." She then shared heartfelt thanks. "This video is also to thank each of you," Yani said. "To the entire Top Chef VIP team. To the Telemundo Realities team. And also to Carmen, for her pure smile and energy. I wish you much success, strength, and passion. It has been an unforgettable experience. I hope to see you all very soon."
Yani Prado is now the second celebrity to leave the competition early. Singer Elvis Crespo announced his exit back on August 7. His departure paved the way for more unexpected turns.
Who Else Has Left?
Here is a list of the contestants who have been eliminated so far, in order:
- Sergio Goyri
- Christopher Vélez
- Karina
- Elvis Crespo (left voluntarily)
- Sergio Sendel
- Valeria Cuevas
- Jerry Bazúa
- Hector Sandarti
- Yani Prado (left voluntarily)
With Yani’s unexpected departure, it’s not clear if another celebrity will be eliminated this coming Thursday. That’s usually the day for an elimination challenge. Now, only 11 celebrities remain. They are all battling to become the kitchen king or queen. The winner takes home a grand prize of $200,000.
The fourth season of Top Chef VIP follows a strict weekly schedule. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Mondays are for eliminations.
- Tuesdays are for immunity challenges.
- Wednesdays are for salvation rounds.
- Thursdays are for eliminations again.
- Fridays bring more immunity challenges.
- Sundays focus on salvation.
There is no new episode on Saturdays.
You can catch Top Chef VIP Sunday through Friday. The show airs at 7:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm CT. Watch it live on Telemundo or stream it on Peacock.