By Charles Switzer
8:55am PST, Jan 11, 2025
'The Check' Has to Be Right!
NeNe Leakes, a foundational member of
The Real Housewives of Atlanta, recently expressed openness to rejoining the show, provided the terms are favorable!
When asked about coming back in a Friday, January 10, interview with
TMZ, she spilled, "If the opportunity was right and the check was on point, why not?"
This sentiment indicates that, despite her
previous departures, Leakes is amenable to returning under suitable conditions.
Here's the scoop on how the franchise icon could make it back for more Atlanta drama.
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Cynthia Erivo Joins Team NeNe: 'Bring Her Back, Please!'
Oscar-nominated actress
Cynthia Erivo is leading the charge for Leakes' return. In a glowing interview, she gushed, "I am a
NeNe Leakes fan… Bring her back, please."
Leakes responded with gratitude, saying she's flattered by the support. "I love her. So many people were sending it to me, inboxing me, what Cynthia had said. Cynthia, I love you, thank you so much! And I totally agree."
Could this celebrity endorsement tip the scales for
Bravo? Maybe not…
'Big Stars' Can't Get Enough of 'RHOA'
Although flattered by the
Wicked star singing her praises, Erivo is not alone in celeb love for the long-running reality franchise.
Leakes said, "Honestly, so many people watch
Real Housewives. So many stars — big stars — watch
Real Housewives. They really do. It was a pleasure to see that Cynthia loved
The Real Housewives of Atlanta and that she in particular loved
NeNe Leakes."
NeNe Leakes' Rollercoaster History With 'RHOA'
The
Glee supporting star's journey with
RHOA has been anything but smooth.
After starring in the show's debut in 2008, she exited before Season 8, returned for Seasons 10 through 12, but left again in 2020. Many are unanimous in pointing out how her presence helped drive the show's success, and fans are eager to see if another comeback could reignite the drama.
Not all agree though, with one social media user stating, "I just don't like how all her departures and the will she/won't she somehow makes it all about her, EVERY time. So many other great Altlanta ladies through the years!"
Legal Drama in the Rearview?
Leakes made headlines in 2022 when she filed a lawsuit against Bravo, NBC Universal and
Andy Cohen, alleging discrimination.
While the case was dismissed, it left fans wondering if a return to
RHOA was even possible, but cold, hard Benjamins combined with her star power and "ratings gold" is all that apparently matters.
Leakes since hinted that she's willing to let bygones be bygones — for the right deal.
What About 'RHOA' Cast Dynamics?
Her return could spell major shake-ups for the
RHOA cast. Known for her fiery confrontations and unfiltered personality, Leakes could rekindle rivalries or forge surprising alliances. With the show reportedly facing a dip in ratings, her reappearance might just be the spark it needs.
The rivalry between the reality star and
Kenya Moore is a major standout. In the Season 12 finale, their feud escalated to a physical altercation that required security intervention.
Moore accused the
Dancing With the Stars alum of making disparaging comments about her family, including insinuations about her daughter, which she found deeply offensive.
Podcasting Her Way Back to the Spotlight
Even as rumors swirl about her
RHOA return, Leakes is keeping busy. She's launching a new podcast, "Me & My Homegirl," debuting Thursday, January 16.
The show promises candid conversations on pop culture, relationships, and everything in between.
Sierra Glamshop of MTV's
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta fame, will co-host.
"You can expect us to keep it 1,000 percent real," Leakes revealed. "We're gonna talk about any and everything. Nothing is off-limits. From pop culture to relationships to love to finances, and every now and then we might have guests that pop in, but we don't want that to be our focus."
Is this a teaser for her big Bravo comeback?
Fans Demand a NeNe Revival: Is Bravo Listening?
Across social media, fans are making their voices heard.
"NeNe IS RHOA. The show's not the same without her!" one X user declared.
With endorsements from fans and celebrities alike, Bravo may find it hard to resist bringing back their most iconic Housewife.
Will 2025 be the year of Leakes' triumphant return?
