Reality television series “Summer House” is undergoing a major change for the upcoming eleventh season, with producers confirming a switch in the make-up of the cast. For the first time in the Bravo show’s history, the entire cast of the new season will be single rather than in a relationship.
This marks a dramatic shift in the dynamics between the various participants in the show. Since the series first premiered, many of those taking part have already been in relationships, while others developed into long-term couples after becoming romantic on the show.
“Summer House” will also see the return of original cast members such as Kyle Cooke, who split from Amanda Batula earlier this year.
The Casting Decision Was An Attempt To Keep The Show Feeling Fresh
In an interview with People, executive producers Trish Gold and Jamie Jakimo revealed the change in the casting. They explained that they felt it was time for a fresh start and a reset in relationships, so that there is less baggage for everyone.
“We’re filming Season 11 now, and it’s the first season where everyone is single,” Gold said.
She added, “I think having an entire cast of single roommates for the first time ever is, like, the energy we needed coming into this season. I think everyone was ready to move on and see what’s next and, like, bring that really fun summer energy.”
Jakimo agreed, saying the cast is “ready to let off some steam” and that the change has allowed for “brand-new energy” that has created a refreshing atmosphere. He hopes the change will allow viewers to experience the series in a new way.
“It is a blast to see them experience summer kind of in a new lens,” she said. “Like, oh gosh, it’s just like a refreshing, brand-new energy coming in.”
Of course, it also opens up the possibility of more chaos and drama. After years of complicated relationships dominating the action within the house, the new season allows for more potential with an entirely new dating pool for everyone involved.
Kyle Cooke Is Newly Single
Perhaps the biggest change on “Summer House” is the fact that Cooke is no longer with his former long-term partner Batula. The 44-year-old has been ever-present on the series since the first season and his relationship with Batula became one of its longest-running storylines.
After dating for several years, Cooke and Batula got engaged in 2018 and eventually tied the knot on Sept. 25, 2021. They announced their separation at the start of the year, revealing that the relationship between them had broken down.
He has since played down any romantic interests despite being linked with several women over the last few months. This includes reports that he is dating “Southern Charm” star Salley Carson. Cooke previously admitted that the pair had hooked up, but they have both been relatively quiet about where they stand today.
