“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” season 16 cast is taking shape.
Multiple tips sent to Bravo and Cocktails indicate that Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Rachel Zoe, Bozoma Saint John and Sutton Stracke are expected back on the Bravo hit. Jennifer Tilly is also expected to return, but with a major change to her role.
According to Bravo and Cocktails sources, Tilly will be a full-time cast member for season 16 after previously appearing as a friend.
Meanwhile, Amanda Frances has already confirmed she won’t return after one season. Sources also say Kathy Hilton and Natalie Swanston are out, while Crystal Kung Minkoff could still make an appearance.
And the Beverly Hills ladies may be packing their bags for a major cast trip. The Bravo news site has learned that production is currently in Africa, with the cast expected to join them.
Jennifer Tilly Expected to Go Full Time for RHOBH Season 16 Cast
Tilly’s reported promotion would be one of the biggest changes to the RHOBH lineup.
The actress previously appeared as a friend on the series and is a longtime friend of Stracke. According to Bravo and Cocktails, Tilly is now expected to hold a diamond as a full-time Housewife.
The outlet also received a tip listing Richards, Jayne, Kemsley, Zoe, Saint John, Stracke and Tilly as the season 16 cast.
At least one new cast member is also expected to join the group, according to the tip. Despite previous rumors, “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” star Tracy Tutor is not believed to be the mystery newcomer.
Kung Minkoff’s status is less certain. Bravo and Cocktails sources say the former Housewife is currently on “hold” and could potentially be brought into filming after the season gets underway.
One source suggested producers could turn to Kung Minkoff after several weeks, depending on how the season develops.
The season 16 cast could also be headed far outside Beverly Hills.
Bravo and Cocktails has also learned that RHOBH production is currently in Africa, and sources believe the cast will join them for filming.
Amanda Frances, Kathy Hilton & Natalie Swanston Reportedly Out
Frances is the only departure publicly confirmed.
She announced on Instagram on August 5 that her time on the show had come to an end.
“My time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is complete,” Frances wrote in part, describing her decision to join the show as one of the “boldest,” “wildest” and “most clarifying” experiences of her life.
Tilly responded to Frances’ announcement and appeared to hint at her own return.
“Amanda, good luck on your journey going forward. I can’t wait to read your new book!” Tilly wrote. “You are so funny and sweet and smart. We will miss you.”
Hilton and Swanston will not be part of the regular season 16 lineup. Hilton is expected to film far less than in previous seasons, making her appearances closer to a guest role than a friend of the Housewives.
Dorit Kemsley Expected Back as Kyle Richards Hopes to Repair Friendship
Kemsley’s reported return comes after speculation that Bravo could put her “on pause.”
RHOBH executive producer Alex Baskin previously responded “Not true” on Instagram Stories when rumors circulated about Kemsley’s status.
Bravo and Cocktails has also learned that a recent Kemsley sighting was at Jayne’s home, further suggesting filming is getting underway.
Richards, meanwhile, recently told Us Weekly that she hopes to repair her fractured friendship with Kemsley during season 16.
“What would I be hopeful for? I would say, if I’m coming back, let’s just say that part first; I would repair things with Dorit,” Richards said. “I would like to be able to put that behind us and start over.”
Richards said the two had not made progress during the offseason, though she reached out to Kemsley about her book.
“I did reach out to her about her book to congratulate her, but other than that, no, I haven’t heard from her or anything,” Richards said. “It’s sad to me because I did care about her and I do care about her and her family, and I just feel like we’re both going through so much and that we would have been much better off leaning on each other.”
