PHOTOSCynthia Bailey ‘Not Surprised’ By NeNe Leakes’ Departure From RHOA, Says She’s 'Looking Forward' To Show's Season 8
July 7 2015, Published 8:39 p.m. ET
You may have been surprised that NeNe Leakes won’t be returning as a full-time housewife for The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s eighth season. But her former bestie Cynthia Bailey recently revealed she saw Leakes’ depatrue coming all along.
"You know, I wasn't super surprised because I used to be very close with NeNe so I knew that at some point, she wanted to do other things and rightfully so because I think she has had a great run on the show," Bailey told E! News while attending Essence Festival 2015 over Fourth of July weekend. "In my opinion, she will always be the original Atlanta Housewife and I wish her well."
Bailey also said that she reached out to Leakes once she learned of her decision to leave. “We text back and forth…When I heard the news about her leaving the show, I shot her a text and said good luck to you. May you continue to shine. Do your thing so we are cool,” Bailey said.
Amid reports that she, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams will all be sticking around for RHOA’s upcoming Season 8, Bailey added that she’s ready to see who the show’s new additions will be!
- 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
- Cynthia Bailey Was 'Totally Game' to Return to 'RHOA' as a 'Friend of' for Season 16: 'It's Been Enough Time'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
"I am just excited for someone to come in who is a spit fire, someone who is not just gonna come in and check things out," she said. "I don't know who yet but whoever you are, please audition for the Real Housewives of Atlanta. We need you!"
Several names have been added to the list of rumored new RHOA cast members, including actress Kim Fields and most recently singer and actress Fantasia!
And with sources saying that filming for the new season is scheduled to being in July, we are inching closer to the official reveal of RHOA’s Season 8 cast! Are you looking forward to The Real Housewives of Atlanta's eighth season? Tweet us @OKMagazine or let us know in the comments section below.
