Bravo is marking two decades of The Real Housewives franchise with an exciting new spin-off featuring Porsha Williams, Gizelle Bryant, and a special appearance from NeNe Leakes!
During the January 14 episode of Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen officially announced the cast for Season 1 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th. The series will focus on several housewives embarking on a fun cross-country road trip. Cohen revealed the lineup during a game called “Away We Bravo,” with guests Porsha Williams and Venita Aspen helping to unveil the cast.
Here’s The Show’s Core Cast
During the game, Aspen read famous Housewives quotes while Porsha Williams guessed the Housewife behind each quote, gradually revealing a legendary lineup that is sure to impress fans.
The impressive cast features The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Vicki Gunvalson, The Real Housewives of New York City’s Luann de Lesseps, The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Porsha Williams, The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Kyle Richards, The Real Housewives of Potomac’s Gizelle Bryant, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Lisa Barlow.
As for the complete cast, Cohen hinted that viewers can expect plenty of surprises, with the core group set to be joined by “over 60” Housewives making surprise cameo appearances throughout the journey.
NeNe Leakes is Making a Special Guest Appearance
Earlier in the day, Cohen dropped another significant announcement: NeNe Leakes will also be joining Bravo, making her first appearance with the network in six years after leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Leakes, now 58, was a key member of the Atlanta franchise since its inception in 2008 and departed the show in 2020.
“She’s gonna be making an appearance,” Cohen shared during his SiriusXM Radio Andy broadcast. He added that NeNe will join the cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th when production makes a stop in Atlanta.
“When we go to Atlanta, she’s going [to] be there. People are happy about it. We are going to be celebrating 20 years of Housewives, and it would be hard without her. I’m happy about it,” he expressed enthusiastically.
Leakes confirmed her return in an emotional video, expressing her gratitude towards her former RHOA cast members and Andy Cohen.
“I’m overjoyed, I almost can’t even believe that the words that are coming out of my mouth,” she said, adding that she was “so happy” to be back with the network that made her a reality TV icon. “All of you ladies who constantly say my name and keep my name in the ring, I appreciate you guys so much.”
Fans rejoiced at her news, including Cohen, who remarked, “Couldn’t celebrate 20 years without you.”
Leakes replied with appreciation, “Thank you so much for everything. Love you buttercup no matter what.”
Leakes’ return is a significant development after years of difficulty between the star and Bravo. In April 2022, she filed a discrimination lawsuit against Bravo, NBCUniversal, Cohen, and others, alleging a toxic workplace culture. She quietly dropped the case by August of that year.
“All Parties consent and stipulate to the foregoing dismissal,” the court documents stated, adding that no party would seek recovery of costs or attorneys’ fees in the case.
In a 2023 interview, Leakes reflected on the factors leading to her lawsuit, stating that she felt sidelined during season 13 negotiations.
She shared her desire for reconciliation with Cohen, saying, “I hate that we’re in this place. I really wish there was a way for us to find our way back to each other because life is short, and you just don’t want to carry ill feelings for the rest of your life. It would be nice to work through the issues.”
Now, with Leakes’ return, it seems that bridges have been mended. With her back in the Bravo universe and numerous Housewives ready to appear, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th is shaping up to be a momentous celebration of the franchise.
Congratulations to NeNe Leakes and the entire cast!
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