The stars of “The Golden Life” are trading Big Apple drama for Palm Beach sunshine, but leaving Bravo wasn’t exactly easy.
Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, and Kelly Bensimon are reuniting for E!’s new reality series, “The Golden Life,” and they’re opening up about what convinced them to make the move.
During a special “The Golden Life” cast event with Page Six Radio hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real, the women revealed that some were initially hesitant to leave the Bravo universe behind.
And while they’re excited about their new chapter, it sounds like one former RHONY castmate won’t be receiving a warm welcome in Palm Beach.
Dorinda Medley Reveals Why She and Luann de Lesseps Finally Moved on From Bravo
According to Dorinda, the decision became easier when she and Luann realized their Bravo days might officially be over.
“I think also too we were at the last BravoCon and Luann and I realized we weren’t gonna be asked back to Bravo,” Dorinda explained.
“As loyal as we are, we love Bravo we had this beautiful run, we were like you know what? Let’s take a chance and do this. So, when E! gave us the opportunity, we thought why not.”
Luann admitted she initially turned down the opportunity because of her loyalty to Bravo.
“When they called me, I was like ‘No,'” she said. “I did Ultimate Girls Trip right? I’m working for Bravo and so I was like, ‘No. Bravo’s my family.'”
However, Luann eventually learned she had Bravo’s permission to join the E! series.
Sonja revealed that she and Luann had spent years pitching television concepts before “The Golden Life” finally came together.
The timing also worked out for Sonja, who was ready for a change after leaving her longtime New York home behind.
Kelly Bensimon Says Bethenny Frankel Is Not Invited to ‘The Golden Life’
While the women are excited about their reunion, Kelly made it clear that she has no interest in adding Bethenny Frankel to the cast.
“No, no, no no, she’s not invited,” Kelly said when asked about Bethenny.
“She’s too performative. She’s just very sensationalistic and I don’t want to be on a show where someone is like sensationalist.”
Ramona had a slightly different take, suggesting Bethenny might simply be too busy to join the group.
However, she revealed that she had already extended an invitation to her former castmate.
“I invited her to come on as a guest,” Ramona explained. “And that’s when she goes, ‘Why would I come on as a guest? When I come on, I’d want to be paid.'”
Apparently, a casual Palm Beach cameo wasn’t enough to convince Bethenny to reunite with the ladies.
Ramona Singer Reveals What Finally Convinced Her to Join the New E! Series
Ramona admitted that she wasn’t immediately sold on returning to reality television either.
“I didn’t want to do it either,” she explained. “I just said kinda I’ll be a friend.”
However, watching footage from the show’s sizzle reel changed her mind.
“And then when we did the sizzle reel, I said, ‘Oh my God. It’s so uplifting and positive and funny. I’m in, I’m all in.'”
Kelly also praised the new show’s documentary-style approach, explaining that she appreciates how it differs from the traditional Housewives format.
With a new network, a new location, and plenty of familiar faces, the former RHONY stars are preparing for their next television chapter.
“The Golden Life” premieres October 20 at 10 p.m. ET on E!.
The full-cast interview premieres October 19 at 9 a.m. ET on SiriusXM Stars, channel 138. ET on SiriusXM Stars, channel 138.
Tell us! Will you be tuning into “The Golden Life”? Let us know in the comments below.
Want even juicier Bravo tea? Sign up for Cocktail Party here.
