Filming for season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been ongoing for weeks. However, things took a turn when Kenya Moore was recently confirmed to no longer be a part of the show. Now, fans can get excited for the return of Phaedra Parks, who hasn’t filmed for the show in several years despite being on other Bravo and NBC Universal shows.
She will be joining Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton, Kelli Ferrell, Angela Oakley, and Brittany Eady. Cynthia Bailey will be a friend of, but recent reports say she is filming more than she was originally contracted to do.
Talks began to surface in recent weeks that Phaedra was in talks to return to the show following Kenya’s exit. These talks followed her reuniting with Porsha on the Watch What Happens Live anniversary special and members of the current cast saying they would like to film with her.
Now, it seems the ink on Phaedra’s RHOA contract has dried. The reality star took to Instagram on July 29 to post herself on the steps of a plane and holding a peach in her hand. She also tagged Bravo in the post. The caption of the announcement reads, “You called. I answered 🍑#RHOA#S16.“
So far, there is speculation that Phaedra will enter the show during an upcoming cast trip, which could be part of the reason for the use of the plane. As was previously reported, Phaedra’s contract with RHOA took some time due to her also being a cast member of Married to Medicine. However, now it seems she’ll be on both as she has already filmed for that show.
Of course, Kenya’s departure made room for Phaedra to come back to the show. However, this probably wouldn’t have happened if Kandi Burruss hadn’t departed several months ago. As many will recall, Phaedra is said to have been fired over the false rumors she put in Porsha’s ear about Kandi during season nine. Because of this, Kandi said she would never work with Phaedra.
Now people are wondering what role Phaedra will have on the show. Will she be a full-time peach holder? Her announcement photo seems to say so, and reporter Brice Sander posted in his Instagram Stories moments ago that Phaedra will indeed be a full-time cast member.
There is no word yet on when RHOA will return. However, Phaedra’s return has some fans excited for the show.