NeNe leaks just confirmed her long-awaited return to Bravo in an emotional Instagram video, saying she almost couldn’t “believe” it was finally happening.
After an ugly legal battle that lasted years, NeNe Leakes is returning to the Bravo arena, filming the network’s new spinoff, “Ultimate Road Trip,” which will celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary.
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NeNe Leakes says the ‘tastiest peach’ is back in the ‘Real Housewives’ fold
According to a previous report from The Blast, media outlets suggested that Leakes was in talks with Bravo producers to make a return to the “Real Housewives” following her dramatic exit in 2020.
Leakes confirmed the speculation in a nearly four-minute Instagram video, sharing that the long, grueling journey to get back into Bravo’s good graces has come to an end.
“I’m happy, thrilled to say that I’m coming back to Bravo,” she said in a video. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth,” she added.
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NeNe Leakes thanks those who fought for her return to Bravo after years away
Leakes, who joined the show during Season 1 in 2008, went on to thank various people, from Housewives to Bravo execs, for constantly fighting for her, including Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” legend also thanked the series’ executive producer Andy Cohen and Bravo Unscripted president Frances Berwick.
“[I want to thank] “So many leaders behind the scenes who worked to make this happen,” she added. “So many people who continued to put my name in the ring. Thank you to everyone at Bravo. Thank you to everyone at Truly Original. Thank you, Shed Media. Thank you to the producers on the ground who are calling and texting me, wanting this to be an amazing thing.”
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What show will NeNe Leakes be on?
The Blast reported that Leakes will appear in the network’s upcoming spinoff “Ultimate Road Trip,” which will celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary with iconic housewives from the past.
Although Leakes’ role on the series has not been officially confirmed, other reports indicate that the reality star will not be full-time but will have a “notable” presence when the cast stops in Atlanta, Georgia.
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“For two decades, The Real Housewives has amplified women’s voices, spotlighting their ambition, humor and strength, inspiring millions with their unapologetic authenticity,” Berwick said of the series. “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip” is a love letter to the women who turned a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon — and to the fans who have been there for every laugh, gasp, toast and spin. “
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Leakes has had a checkered history with Bravo
Despite being one of Bravo’s stars, things between Leakes and the network deteriorated after her exit from “RHOA” in 2020. The legendary reality star then filed a discrimination lawsuit against the network in 2022, alleging she was the victim of racism and a hostile work environment.
“NBC, Bravo and True foster a company and workplace culture in which inappropriate and racially insensitive behavior is tolerated and even encouraged,” the complaint reads. “As the Black Lives Matter movement swept our country, Ms. Leakes – Bravo’s historically most successful Black female talent – should have been adopted by NBC, Bravo and True.”
“Instead, NBC, Bravo and True forced her out of the ‘house she built,’ denying her a regular role,” the lawsuit adds.
Leakes’ return sent the Bravoverse into a frenzy
Luckily for Bravo fans, Leakes’ issues with the network are a thing of the past, as the “Glee” alum captioned her recent Instagram video, “CONFIRMED!”
She added: “The tastiest peach is back. Tears, Tearssssssss.”
The comments section was flooded with congratulations and well wishes for the 58-year-old.
Williams wrote, “Can’t wait!! The door is open! 20 years of Housewives is now over!! Let’s celebrate.”
Cynthia Bailey added: “The door is open again! Welcome back!”
“Real Housewives” executive producer Carlos King commented, “God is good. Happy for you, my love.”
Cohen wrote, “I couldn’t celebrate 20 years without you,” to which Leakes replied, “Thank you so much for everything. I love you, butter cut no matter what.”
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According to Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” Instagram account, Cohen will announce the rest of the cast live on January 14 at 10 p.m. EST.
