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Food Network pulls 'Emeril Live'

Section: Food

AP

"Emeril Live," the 10-year-old cable TV cooking program that made chef Emeril Lagasse a national star and put the Food Network on the map, will cease production Dec. 11.

"However, Emeril is under contract with Food Network," Food Network publicist Carrie Welch said Tuesday. "We love him, we support him and look forward to a long partnership with him."

Welch wouldn't comment on Lagasse's contract.

Asked why the show was canceled, she said, "The only reason would be that it hit a ton of television milestones and, you know, all good things come to an end."

The Food Network will continue producing Lagasse's "The Essence of Emeril," and he will take part in "specials and other development opportunities in the future," Welch said.

The network also will air reruns of "Emeril Live."

"I am deeply appreciative to all the unbelievable staff -- many who have been with the show since the beginning -- and all the loyal viewers, and the many talented guests who have appeared on the show through the years," Lagasse, 48, said in a statement provided by Welch.

"I look forward to continuing my association with the Food Network with 'The Essence of Emeril,' and I have lots of new ideas cooking."

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