Nearly three months after Bravo announced the cast for season 16 of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” new rumors suggest the reboot may include even more familiar faces — including a possible returning Housewife and an expanded role for Martha Stewart.
Bravo first confirmed the season 16 cast on March 2, revealing that returning stars Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, and Sai De Silva would continue with the rebooted franchise.
The network also announced several newcomers, including celebrity makeup artist Daisy Toye, fitness entrepreneur Erika Hammond, and public relations professional Hailey Glassman.
Now, as filming continues, reports from Bravo and Cocktails claim additional familiar names may also be appearing on camera.
Martha Stewart’s RHONY Presence Reportedly Keeps Growing
According to information shared with Bravo and Cocktails, Stewart is expected to appear throughout season 16 in a “friend of” role similar to Kathy Hilton’s appearances on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
The report claims that Stewart has already filmed multiple group scenes, as well as solo scenes with Toye, who works as her makeup artist.
What reportedly began as a small cameo has since evolved into a much larger behind-the-scenes role.
According to the source, producers are now considering adding confessionals for Stewart as filming continues.
The insider also claimed cast and crew members have started referring to Stewart as “The Fairy God-Martha.”
Stewart’s reported involvement quickly became one of the biggest talking points among Bravo fans after the season 16 cast announcement.
Toye’s close connection to Stewart has also fueled speculation that the lifestyle icon could become a recurring presence throughout the season.
Familiar ‘Real Housewives of New York’ Alum Could Also Be Returning
Another Bravo and Cocktails source claimed former Housewife Heather Thomson may either already be filming scenes or preparing to film for the new season.
Thomson previously appeared on “RHONY” during seasons 5 through 7 before exiting the franchise.
Her possible involvement comes shortly after Bravo officially confirmed Carole Radziwill’s return as a friend of the cast.
Bravo announced Radziwill’s return in March, eight years after she last appeared on the series during season 10.
“In the marathon of life, loyalty is everything,” Bravo wrote in an Instagram announcement at the time.
“And because of Bravo fans’ loyalty, Carole Radziwill is returning to #RHONY as a friend-of for Season 16!!! 🍎”
Bravo Previously Shut Down RHONY Cancellation Rumors
The season 16 updates come after months of online speculation about the future of the rebooted franchise.
Last year, Andy Cohen addressed rumors that Bravo had quietly canceled the show.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live,” Cohen confirmed the network was actively meeting with potential cast members.
“What’s so interesting is, last week when I was here, the Bravo execs met with 10 potential new ‘Real Housewives of New York,’” Cohen said.
“This is called the casting process between seasons, and it’s heavily underway. That’s why nothing has been announced.”
“So I don’t know what to say. It’s really odd. It just keeps going on and on,” he added.
