Actor and anti-Scientology activist Leah Remini is joining the cast of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” as a full-time star for Season 16, according to production details announced by Bravo. Alongside real estate agent and former “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” star Tracy Tutor, Remini steps into the franchise as filming begins in Los Angeles, bringing fresh dynamics to the network’s most-watched edition.
Leah Remini and Tracy Tutor Join Season 16 Cast
Bravo has shaken up the lineup for “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 16 by adding Leah Remini and Tracy Tutor to the full-time roster. Tutor announced her casting on Instagram on Aug. 19. They join returning full-time cast members Kyle Richards, Erika “Jayne” Girardi, Dorit Kemsley, Bozoma Saint John, Rachel Zoe, and Sutton Stracke.
According to production announcements, Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly will also return as “friends” of the cast. Amanda Frances, a manifesting guru who joined for Season 15, will not return. Frances announced her departure on Instagram on Aug. 5, despite receiving a public direct message from Rihanna during her tenure saying, “We need more of you!”
Production Schedule and Global Cast Gatherings
Production for Season 16 is already underway. Several cast members, excluding Remini and Tutor, traveled to Ghana to attend Bozoma Saint John’s wedding to Keely Watson on Aug. 21. Guests at the destination wedding included Kemsley, Richards, Tilly, and Stracke. Remini is scheduled to begin filming in Los Angeles later this week.
Executive producer Andy Cohen addressed the constant fan speculation surrounding the franchise in a June interview with Variety, noting the intense public interest. “They hate it so much, it’s the No. 1 ‘Housewives,’” Cohen said. The new ten-person lineup of full-time stars and veteran friends aims to quiet rampant online rumors, which previously included an anonymous DeuxMoi tip claiming Kyle filmed a farewell scene and a Bravo and Cocktails blind item alleging Dorit was placed on pause—a report executive producer Alex Baskin publicly debunked.
Underlying Tensions and Past Backgrounds
The incoming cast members enter a fractured group dynamic. Season 15 wrapped up in May following a fiery three-part reunion highlighted by boiling tension between Richards and Kemsley, who were previously close friends. Compounding the off-screen drama, Kemsley’s divorce from Paul “PK” Kemsley has dominated summer headlines as both parties trade accusations of financial mayhem involving their school-age children.
Remini, 56, built her household name during a nine-season run on CBS’s “King of Queens.” In 2015, she published the memoir “Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology,” detailing her rise in the entertainment industry and her indoctrination into Scientology starting at age 9. Her high-profile departure led her to become a prominent anti-cult crusader. Alongside fellow ex-Scientologist Mike Rinder, she hosted “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” on A&E, earning two Primetime Emmys for the series.
Tutor, 51, brings extensive Bravo experience to the franchise. As a successful real estate agent, she starred on “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” from Seasons 10 through 15 before the show went on pause last year. Following Tutor’s casting announcement, Cohen commented on her Instagram post, writing, “This has been a long time coming!”
Did You Know? “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is celebrating its milestone 20th year as part of the broader “Real Housewives” franchise, maintaining its status as the most-watched edition of the entire network lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new full-time cast members on RHOBH Season 16?
Leah Remini and Tracy Tutor have joined the cast as full-time stars for the upcoming season.
Is Amanda Frances returning for Season 16?
No. Amanda Frances announced her departure from the show on Instagram on Aug. 5.
Who are the returning “friends” of the cast?
Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly are returning as “friends” of the cast for Season 16.
When does Leah Remini begin filming?
Remini is set to begin filming for the show in Los Angeles later this week.
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