Bravo has announced the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City's upcoming seventh season, and it will include the return of Bethenny Frankel.
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"[Bravo] really is where it all began for me, and you can't forget where you came from. After my talk show [Bethenny] ended, I really had doubts about ever going back to television. I've been through a lot personally, and I wasn't sure I wanted to expose myself to any more public scrutiny. That said, I've been so fortunate to be able to connect with the audience and inspire them to fulfill their wildest dreams," Frankel, 43, confirmed on her website.
"I learned a lot about myself through that experience. I really need to be able to express myself freely and creatively; I like when no two days are the same, and I don't thrive when being filtered or edited."
Frankel said she loves having the ability to focus on many aspects of her life and business, which her talk show didn't allow for.
"I missed being on the journey with you all, who were there with me from the beginning. When I joined The Real Housewives (originally named Manhattan Moms), I was financially, personally, and professionally insecure. Embarking on that adventure with you and with Bravo changed my life forever," she wrote.
"After many years of hesitation, I have decided to return to my roots on The Real Housewives of New York City. I have been through a long and arduous road since my departure, and I'm finally coming out on the other side. It finally feels right to go home again. The idea of doing the show feels exciting and refreshing, like it did at the beginning all those years ago. New faces, new circumstances, and in many ways, a new me and a new life."
In a Monday press release, Bravo executive Andy Cohen said in a statement, "Bethenny is one of the most popular Housewives in the history of the franchise and I couldn't be more excited she is coming home to Bravo!"
When rumors recently surfaced of Frankel's potential return, the New York Post reported she had been offered "well over $1 million" to rejoin the show's cast.
Frankel was an original Housewife and left the franchise after its third season back in 2010. Her decision came several months after giving birth to her four-year-old daughter Bryn with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, and she had many conflicts with her former best friend Jill Zarin and longtime rival Kelly Bensimon on the series.
Telepictures production company had confirmed in February that Bethenny was being canceled after only one season. Prior to her talk show, Frankel starred in the Bravo spinoffs Bethenny Getting Married? and Bethenny Ever After. She's also written books and created a Skinnygirl empire.
Frankel and Hoppy, 44, divorced in late December 2012 after three years of marriage, resulting in an ugly year-long legal battle.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
