Hold onto your hats, RHOA fans—Cynthia Bailey is staging a comeback and has set her sights on restoring the show to its former glory.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six’s ‘Virtual Reali-Tea Podcast (hosted by Evan Real and Ryan Murphy), Bailey unpacked her decision to return to the show and what she’s most excited about.
“I feel like the show has been just OK for the past couple of years. No shade, but it just has. And it has not thrived the way ‘Atlanta’ has always thrived,’ said the TV personality, who can’t wait to help RHOA reclaim its No. 1 spot in the Bravoverse.
“We were No.1 for so long. And to watch it not be No.1 was really hard, even sitting on the sidelines. It really, really was,” she continued. “So, I think some new blood was needed, and from what I can tell, these ladies seem like they really have it going on, and I’m so excited to meet them.”
Cynthia Bailey’s cameo appearances in Season 15 were a hit with fans, so it’s no surprise Bravo wanted her back in a more prominent role.
“I’ve always been open to the idea of popping in and out as a friend. I did it last season. My fans loved it. I loved it,” she said enthusiastically. “Bravo was able to work around my schedule, just letting me get in where I fit in.”
“So, when it came up again this season, I was like, ‘You know what? I’ll just do what I did last season. I’ll just pop in when I’m in Atlanta,” Bailey continued.“And they made it known to me that they were interested in me being a full-time friend, being a friend in a more official capacity this time.”
Cynthia Bailey joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in Season 5 and left after Season 13. After her departure, she and Porsha teamed up for Porsha’s Family Matters in 2021 and joined the cast for Season 3 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
The actress is making a comeback alongside returning stars Drew Sidora, Kenya Moore, Porsha Williams, and Shamea Morton Mwangi. There are also new faces: Angela Oakley, Brittany Eady, and Kelli Ferrell.
The cast’s shake-up – which includes the departure of Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, and Shereé Whitefield – comes following a dip in Season 15’s rating, prompting fans to demand changes.
Shereé definitely adds a “certain level of, ‘Who gon’ check me, boo? To the show that nobody else brings,” Bailey remised about Whitefield’s departure.
“Like, Shereé will get in there, and she’s done the whole bone collector thing. She’s going to ask those hard questions for sure. So, I think she definitely will be missed by her fans 100 per cent.”
But Bailey is enthralled about Drew Sidora’s return, especially after her recent split from Ralph Pittman.
“I was not surprised that Drew was returning,” Bailey said of the singer/actress. “I feel like Drew has a lot of story and I felt like she carried a lot of last season, so I think it makes sense to bring her back.”
With Cynthia Bailey back in action, Season 16 of RHOA promises to be a rollercoaster of epic proportions, so hold onto your remote controls, pick out the popcorn and get ready for the season of your life, hunnay!
Production of RHOA Season 16 has started. Bravo is yet to announce a premiere date.
