Cynthia Bailey has confirmed rumours that she is leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta after 11 seasons.
The longtime RHOA star made the somewhat shocking statement on her personal Instagram page earlier today (September 27), putting to rest weeks of rumours that she may or may not be returning for Season 14.
“After much thought and consideration, I have made the very difficult and heartfelt decision not to return for the next season of Real Housewives of Atlanta,” she posted. “Thank you NBC Universal, Bravo, and Truly Original for over a decade of partnership. I can’t wait to see what we do next!”
“Thank you to my Real Housewives of Atlanta castmates for eleven of the most unbelievable years of my life; and the most incredible & UNFORGETTABLE memories! I am so grateful to have had this amazing journey, and I am anxiously waiting to embark on new adventures,” she continued. “Most importantly, THANK YOU to my fans! I could not have done it without your blessings, love, and support. Without the fans, none of this would be possible. I love and appreciate all of you.”
“It’s time to move on to my next chapter, and I look forward to sharing it with all of you.”
Upcoming Peacock spinoff
While Cynthia Bailey has in fact closed the door on RHOA, she will still be a part of the Real Housewives franchise as she is set to star on Season 1 of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, Peacock’s upcoming All Stars-style mashup.
Ultimate Girls Trip, which will also be formally known as RHUGT, stars Ramona Singer, Teresa Giudice, Kenya Moore, Melissa Gorga, Luann De Lesseps, and Kyle Richards and is rumoured to be dropping on Peacock before the new year.
Other OGs on the chopping block
Cynthia’s exit from RHOA means that none of the other Housewives who are appearing in Ultimate Girls Trip are nowhere near safe from potentially being let go from their respective franchises, too.
This year has been an odd one for the Housewives, with multiple OGs facing firing amid fan backlash to their respective seasons. On RHUGT alone, Ramona Singer and Luann De Lesseps have been reports that they too may get the axe from Bravo after a poorly-received Season 13 of The Real Housewives of New York.
RHOA reboot clearly in the works
Cynthia’s exit also confirms that a reboot of sort is in the works for RHOA ahead of Season 14.
As previously reported, Porsha Williams is also rumoured to be exiting while Drew Sidora, Kenya Moore, Marlo Hampton, and Kandi Burruss are returning in full-time roles, and former OG Sheree Whitfield is also returning.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta will return to Bravo in 2022. The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip will premiere later this year on Peacock.
