The original cast member of the Bravo reality series announces that after 'lots of thoughts and prayer' she decided not to return for season 8.
- Jun 30, 2015
AceShowbiz - "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" is losing one of its longtime cast members. NeNe Leakes announced on Monday, June 29 that she's leaving Bravo's hit reality series after seven seasons. "After seven seasons of being part of 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', I can confirm that I am not going to be returning to the show for Season 8," she told Us Weekly in a statement.
She continued, "I am grateful to Bravo, Andy Cohen and True Entertainment for giving me the opportunity to show the world NeNe Leakes and sometimes to show them NayNay. Being part of 'RHOA' has been a big part of my life but I'm excited for new the beginnings I am pursuing and embarking upon. Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and supported me over the years on this amazing platform. With lots of thought and prayer I've decided to step out on faith and not fear."
Leakes also took it to Instagram to announce her departure. "This is so hard for me to type! I cry as I do so!" she wrote, "I am so Grateful for all the love and laughs! Thank you so much to everyone that has watched and supported me over the years on this amazing platform! With lots of thoughts and prayer I've decided to step out on faith and not fear #nomoRHOA4me."
To PEOPLE, the former "Glee" star explained her decision to leave the show, "I just think this is the right time. This is my opportunity to spread my wings and do different things." She went on sharing about her new project, "I'm actually going to be doing a new primetime television show with a big legend. All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tell all of those one liners that I always have said on 'Housewives'."
Leakes is also glad that she wouldn't be surrounded by the negativity on the show. "I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders," she said, after being involved in many arguments and altercations on the show. "There were times when I was a target. I won't miss the negativity."
Leakes thought "some of the girls will be happy" with her exit, because "they always felt like I was the star, and they were never able to really shine with me there, so here's their opportunity to shine." She, however, warned her former cast mates, "I'm not saying I'm gone forever. I'll probably pop up and play with those girls every now and then."
