UPDATED: Hell's Kitchen Winner Ja'Nel Witt Will NOT Be Cooking at Gordon Ramsay Pub

Houston chef Ja'Nel Witt, who won Hell's Kitchen and a $250,000 a year job at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, is not going to be cooking in the kitchen at the Caesars Palace restaurant.

"The team at Hell's Kitchen was incredibly excited about Ja'Nel Witt's season win, and her opportunity to move in to a head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Vegas. Recent unforeseen personal circumstances will now unfortunately prevent her from accepting the position, which is a huge disappointment for Ja'Nel and all of us. She's an incredible talent, and we all wish her much success with the next chapter of her career," iTV Studios just posted on the Hell's Kitchen Facebook page.

As early as last night Witt was seen cooking in an Ikea ramen contest in Houston, where she confirmed that she would start her job at Gordon Ramsay Pub on Monday.

Fox says the job will NOT go to runner-up Mary Poehnelt, a butcher from Massachusetts.

Witt tweeted: "I would like to express my sincerest thanks to HELL'S KITCHEN,Gordon Ramsay,Caesars Palace & my supportive fans for this amazing experience.

"Due to personal matters, I will not be joining the team in Las Vegas, but I wish them continued success.

"This has been an incredible journey. I am thankful for everyone who made it possible and I am looking forward to my next cooking chapter."

TMZ now reports Witt tested positive for cocaine. All Caesars Entertainment employees must undergo drug testing and a background check before they come on board. In other news, Witt will get to keep the $250,000 salary.

Developing.
· Hell's Kitchen [Facebook]
· Hot Houston Restaurant Chefs Battle Ramen Style [CultureMap Houston]
· Hell's Kitchen Winner FAILED DRUG TEST [TMZ]
· Ja'Nel Witt Wins Hell's Kitchen, $250,000 Job at Gordon Ramsay Pub [~ELV~]