It's getting heated in the kitchen and it has nothing to do with food.
Bobby Flay has quit the upcoming Food Network show Iron Chef Showdown, according to Vanity Fair. And he did it in particularly dramatic fashion...literally.
Flay, 52, reportedly tore off his apron mid-battle during the filming of the second season this past summer to reveal he was wearing a t-shirt that read: "THIS IS MY LAST IRON CHEF BATTLE EVER." According to Vanity Fair, the crew kept filming, as it is a live competition, but when a producer told the celebrity chef, "We're not going to be able to cut around that," Flay's response was: "I know. That's the point."
But in a statement provided to E! News, Flay is setting the record straight on the incident.
"This past summer when I was in production on Iron Chef Showdown, I wore a t-shirt to have a little fun during my last battle this season. In hindsight, it was probably not the best decision because it's just creating confusion," Flay said. "Food Network has been part of my family for over 20 years and will absolutely continue to be, and though there is a talented bench of Iron Chefs to tap, if I were asked, I'd be excited to return to Kitchen Stadium, whenever my schedule allows."
And there you have it!
With several shows currently on the network, Flay is one of Food Network's most recognizable stars. He's appeared on Iron Chef on-and-off for the last 17 years, beginning in season one in 2000. He's competed in 61 battles, with 43 wins.
Flay is currently set to appear in the premiere on the 10-episode season, airing on Nov. 8, facing off against an up-and-coming chef in a Thanksgiving-themed battle.
Iron Chef Showdown is hosted by network fan-favorite Alton Brown, and is also set to feature Iron Chefs Jose Garces, Alex Guarnaschelli, Michael Symon and newest member Stephanie Izard.
Food Network has yet to respond to E! News' request for comment.
Iron Chef Showdown is currently slated to debut Nov. 8 on Food Network.
(Originally published on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 at 5:44 p.m. PT)