Bravo is reportedly eyeing NeNe Leakes to return to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for season 18 after years away. The NeNe Leakes Reportedly In Talks To Make ‘RHOA’ Comeback For Season 18 first appeared on The Blast

NeNe Leakes may be finally making her long-awaited return to Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” According to a new report, the network has already sent out contracts for season 18, and the “RHOA” OG was among the ladies to receive one.

A new report also claims that Shamea Morton, who has appeared on “RHOA” as a full-time cast member for the last two seasons, received her packing papers and was reportedly asked to leave the show after her explosive feud with Porsha Williams.

Is It Time For NeNe Leakes To Return To ‘The Real Housewives Of Atlanta’?

A source close to the production of “RHOA” has reportedly confirmed to Reality Blurb that Bravo has been in talks with NeNe Leakes about returning to the show for the upcoming 18th season.

The insider claimed that contracts have gone out, and to make space for Leakes, the network has allegedly asked Morton to step aside.

“Contracts went out two days ago,” the source said, adding that Bravo is “very interested” in finally giving Leakes the chance to return.

Filming is reportedly scheduled to begin in three weeks, directly after the season 17 reunion finishes airing at the end of August.

NeNe Leakes Appeared To Hint At A Possible Return To ‘RHOA’ On Her Instagram Stories

Leakes hasn’t confirmed yet whether the reports about her potential return to Bravo are real; however, fans noticed that she shared a message on her Instagram Stories late last week that seemingly hinted at something good going her way.

“This is the BEST I have felt in a longgggggggg time,” she wrote over top of a fancy plate of food. “#SuperHappy.”

If Leakes does make an official “RHOA” comeback, it’ll be the first time that she’s appeared on the series since her dramatic exit in 2020.

She then sued the network, Andy Cohen, and the production company Truly Original in 2022, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment.

A former “RHOA” executive producer previously spoke about the reality star’s ability to fit in with the group should she ever be asked to return and said that Leakes would fit right in.

“NeNe fits in whatever room she enters,” Carlos King said. “We’re talking about [NeNe Leakes], who is the queen of reality television. She’s the greatest Housewife of all time, and I’m hearing the rumors as well, and I think this is a step in the right direction for all of us NayNays [NeNe’s fanbase].”

NeNe Leakes Will Appear In ‘Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip’

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While rumors of Leakes’ return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” circulate around this time every year, there’s reason to believe they could be true this time, considering Leakes and Bravo publicly reconciled earlier this year after a years-long battle.

According to The Blast, Leakes reached an agreement with Bravo to appear in their upcoming special, “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip,” which will celebrate 20 years of the iconic franchise.

Leakes won’t be a main cast member; however, she will be heavily featured as a guest. The former Broadway actress shared an emotional statement about her comeback directly after the reports went out, saying she was thrilled to be back in the fold.

“I am happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo,” she said through tears. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth.”

What Is ‘Ultimate Girls Trip’?

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The upcoming “RHUGT” special will begin airing on Bravo on August 9 at 9 PM EST. The series, which will feature eight of the franchise’s most notable housewives, follows them as they travel to a slew of different cities to catch up with housewives from the past and present. Over 80 additional cast members will appear throughout the episodes.

“For two decades, the Real Housewives has amplified women’s voices, spotlighted their ambition, humor, and strength, inspiring millions with their unapologetic authenticity,” said Bravo executive Frances Berwick. “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’ is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon — and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn.”

Cohen Appears To Be Moving Forward With Leakes After The Lawsuit

“Real Housewives” godfather Andy Cohen also broke his silence on Leakes’ return after the news became public and said that he was excited for people to see her back on the show.

In another interview, per The Blast, he also implied that he was glad to be moving forward with the mother of two after their rocky relationship in the past.

“We are celebrating 20 years of the Housewives. I can’t speak to that lawsuit, but it’s in the past. She was integral to the show and its success. As we looked back on 20 years, it felt like doing something with her would be really nice for the fans, and she really wanted to do it. It was very positive,” he said.

The NeNe Leakes Reportedly In Talks To Make ‘RHOA’ Comeback For Season 18 first appeared on The Blast