EXCLUSIVECynthia Bailey Was 'Totally Game' to Return to 'RHOA' as a 'Friend of' for Season 16: 'It's Been Enough Time'
Cynthia Bailey is just as excited as the fans are for her big return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
The Bravo alum made headlines when it was announced she will be coming back to the beloved series for Season 16 as a "friend of" after departing the show in 2021.
Cynthia Bailey is excited to return to 'RHOA.'
Bailey chats exclusively with OK! about how she feels about filming the reality series again after taking a break, her friendship with Sutton Stracke and her partnership with the women's menopause and vaginal health brand Kindra.
"I did the show for so many years, 11 consistent seasons. So, when I walked away a couple of years ago to pursue my acting career, it was just time [to return]," the model explains.
Cynthia Bailey was a main cast member on 'RHOA' for 11 seasons.
"I really enjoyed popping in on the girls a little bit 'unofficially' last season. That really worked for me, and I was totally game to do that again around my schedule this season," Bailey notes. "They were interested in something a little bit more official, having me around a little bit more than I was last season, including me on the trips and everything."
"We went back and forth, but in the end, they really wanted to try to work it out with me," she continues. "We were able to work it out, and I feel like it's been enough time for me to at least make it to the trips at this point because, that's really where all the drama happens!"
Cynthia Bailey reveals how she became close friends with Sutton Stracke.
- Jamie Foxx Parties With 'RHOA' Stars Porscha Williams, Cynthia Bailey and Phaedra Parks in Miami After Actor's Health Crisis
- Cynthia Bailey Admits Lenny Kravitz Never Reached Out After Asking for Her Phone Number But Claims She 'Didn't Feel Sparks' Anyway
- 'RHOA' Star Cynthia Bailey's Ex-Husband Peter Thomas Arrested for DUI
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
The Games People Play actress has also popped up on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, thanks to her close relationship with the Sutton Brands founder. "We met at BravoCon a couple years ago. We were on a panel together or doing a meet and greet there," she says of Stracke.
"She's from Georgia. I'm from Alabama. We just had that southern belle connection thing going on. It was really love at first sight," the runway star reveals. "From the moment we finally connected, it was off to the races. I just adore Sutton."
Cynthia Bailey has partnered with women's menopause and vaginal health brand Kindra.
Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for!
Powered by RedCircle
Now, Bailey is focused on her partnership with Kindra to spread awareness about women taking care of their well-being. "My reason for joining Kindra was pretty much because I am a woman of a certain age. My health is certainly a huge priority for me at this point in my life. I am a women's health and wellness advocate. I love women's empowerment and helping women feel good, look good on the inside and out."
