The site is reporting that Bravo is begging him to return to the struggling franchise, which has slipped from 2 million viewers to 1.3 million, and that he has already been calling on a few of the ladies to talk about their future. None of the cast has been officially confirmed yet.
They are also reporting that Cohen has met privately with Carole Radziwill and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, whom he wants back even though her official “Housewife” status was removed last season.
“LuAnn is back for sure,” adds another source. “They are now negotiating her fee. Last season The Countess was paid a day rate every time she filmed as a ‘friend’ on the show. Plus, she got a bonus if her scene made it into the series.”
“Carole is also safe,” says the source. “She is a dear friend of Andy’s and has formed a genuine friendship with Heather Thomson. This is what the show is looking for,” adds another insider. “They want genuine relationships and drama, and want to stay away from anything the ladies ‘stage’ to make good TV — such as throwing an artificial leg.”
Sonja Morgan, whose future on the show is uncertain, has hitched her wagon to original NYC cast member Ramona Singer.
“Ramona is the heart of the show and will be welcomed back if she agrees that her marriage troubles be part of her deal,” a friend close to Singer tells Confidenti@l. “At the reunion, Ramona shut down any questions of her doomed marriage. She will not be able to do that if she returns.”
Singer filed for divorce in January after husband Mario was alleged to be having an affair with Kasey Dexter. Ramona and Mario reconciled, only for her to resume the proceedings earlier this month.
The site is reporting that Aviva Drescher is out for good.
“It is the end of the road for Aviva. She has not been told anything officially, but has been told if she wants to start looking for other TV opportunities, it is fine with Bravo,” reveals a network executive.
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Photo Credit: Bravo