Lisa Rinna announced her decision to leave "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" earlier this month. But for the show's executive producer Alex Baskin, no one can replace the TV personality on the show.
Rinna has been part of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for eight seasons. Though the announcement surprises many, it was reportedly mutually agreed upon.
In an interview with Page Six during the 2023 Realscreen Summit panel in Austin, Texas, Baskin revealed it was never intended to replace someone who had just left. However, he couldn't deny that there's a spot, or even a few after Diana Jenkin's exit, to fill before the show starts its Season 13 production.
So, if they'll start to look for a replacement, it has to both "fit in and stand out." He even described that this new woman would mingle with Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, and Erika Jayne.
However, Baskin admitted that finding a gem like Rinna would be "really hard." They want someone who will have a relationship with the rest of the "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" group, who can also be a real girlfriend to them and will make a distinct impression.
Meanwhile, Rinna announced her exit after joining the show in its fifth season in 2014. In a statement to People, she said the reality series was the longest job she had ever had in her 35-year career.
She then expressed gratitude for everyone at Bravo and those involved in the show. She then called her eight-year run on the series "fun," and she's now "excited for what's to come."
The decision to leave "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" came after her contract expired at the end of the 12th season, which was believed to be a "very contentious one" after repeatedly fighting with the "friend of the cast" Kathy Hilton.
The "Days of Our Lives" alum said she "f---ing hated" her final year on the show. Aside from the death of her mom, Lois, during the 12th season, a smear campaign was held against her after her fight with Hilton in Aspen.
Rinna accused Hilton of having a "psychotic break" in Aspen after the socialite allegedly "made disparaging remarks" against her younger half-sister, Richards, and other co-stars. Hilton denied the claims and shot back at Rinna during the previous season's reunion, saying she was the "biggest bully in Hollywood."
Rinna told Interview Magazine the story didn't get told as two-sided as she liked. Hence, she found it unfortunate that there were no cameras in Aspen when the controversy happened, and it just occurred "so spontaneously."
