The Countess has spoken.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Luann de Lesseps asserted that “The Real Housewives of New York City” is staying put despite a series hiatus.
“‘New York’ is not going anywhere,” the Bravolebrity, 56, said, adding that she is practicing patience as the network “[gets] casting in order” for next season.
During a November appearance on “The Wendy Williams Show,” “Real Housewives” honcho and executive producer Andy Cohen told guest host Michael Rapaport that “RHONY” was “on pause” when asked about the fate of the show after Season 13, which faced low ratings and a canceled reunion.
“We have a lot of casting happening, and we’re looking at every option, man,” Cohen, 53, said at the time.
While chatting with us, de Lesseps admitted that she was partially “disappointed” by the temporary break in filming — but quickly discovered its silver lining.
“I got to say, I’ve been so busy with my cabaret tour and shows and getting ready, that it’s kind of a blessing that we weren’t filming this fall because I really needed the time,” said the “Chic C’est La Vie” singer.
“When I got that call, I was in St. Tropez and they said, ‘You don’t have to be back.’ I was like, ‘Yes!’ And I stayed a little longer.”
De Lesseps also mentioned that she was “just grateful” to have kept busy over the last several months, promoting her role on Peackock’s “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” spin-off. “That was really fantastic for me,” she said.
Though “RHUGT” is over, the reality star’s plate is fuller than ever as she launched her non-alcoholic Fosé Rosé this month, recently dropped a rap single titled “F-Bombs on the G” and is in the midst of a Christmas cabaret tour.
Despite her busy schedule, the multi-hyphenate is excited to eventually resume her role on “New York City” — and even welcome new apple holders.
“The casting is not up to me, obviously. Of course, they weigh in with [me] because I’ve been around for a long time,” she said. “I try to go into things with no preconceived notions like I did on the ‘Ultimate Girls Trip.’ I didn’t have any expectations. I just wanted to have the full experience.”
She elaborated, “I feel the same way about casting and I’ve heard that they’ve got some great candidates. I don’t know who’s staying, who’s going, but I’m looking forward to the next season. It’s going to be a strong one.”
But what does de Lesseps think about the potential return of “RHONY’s” first black cast member, Eboni K. Williams, who made her series debut in Season 13?
Page Six previously reported that the cast — including de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Leah McSweeney and Sonja Morgan — iced Williams, 38, out of the group after she complained of a racist comment allegedly made by Singer, 65, that launched an internal investigation and subsequently halted reunion plans.
(Singer, who was cleared after the investigation, has denied making any such remark.)
“I don’t know who’s coming and who’s not coming back. But I think we all landed in a very good place with [Eboni] at the end of the season,” de Lesseps said.
“Even though we didn’t have the reunion, I felt like we landed and ended in a good place. I’m not opposed to having her back. Let’s see what happens.”
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