It looks like there is a cast shakeup going on at ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ for season 9.
Ahead of their highly anticipated season 8 reunion airing next week, word has broken that two cast members will not be returning for season 9.
The news kicked off with word that Candiace Dillard Bassett has decided to leave the show after 6 seasons. Candiace joined the show in season 3, confirmed the news with PEOPLE.
“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” Dillard Bassett, 37, says.” With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”
She goes on to tease that her exit might only be temporary, noting, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’ “
The “Drive Back” songstress ends her note with a message of thanks to her fans. “Your unwavering support has been my guiding light, and I look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead — and more importantly, sharing them all with you!” she says.
Dillard Basset’s departure comes after a fractured season of RHOP that saw her at odds with O.G. cast members (and former friends) Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon.
It remains unclear whether any were able to mend fences at the reunion. The trailer, which PEOPLE premiered Friday, shows Dillard Bassett doubling down her feelings towards the two, calling Dixon a “loser” and standing by insults she had thrown towards Bryant throughout the year.
Bravo famously doesn’t comment on casting, but a source close to production confirmed to PEOPLE Dillard Bassett made the choice to leave the franchise on her own.
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Elsewhere in RHOP news, Robyn Dixon is reportedly not returning as well for season 9. While Robyn has not confirmed the news, TheJasmineBrand reports her departure.
theJasmineBRAND exclusively reports that Robyn Dixon is allegedly leaving Real Housewives of Potomac. The reality star, who joined the Bravo series in its debut season back in 2016, may still make appearances on the show in the future, we have learned.
She may return for future seasons.
Robyn Dixon has been a staple on the show since its inception. Over the years, fans saw her and her then-ex-husband Juan Dixon rekindle their romance and navigate tough losses and financial downfalls.
The two, who share sons Carter and Corey, remarried in August 2022. However, their relationship has served as a storyline for the current eighth season as the pair presented a united front to fight off allegations that Juan Dixon cheated.
