Denise Richards is back in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills mix. The former RHOBH star confirmed that she went on the Season 16 cast trip and will appear in some episodes.
Richards, 55, spoke to Deadline on the red carpet for the Season 2 premiere of Hulu’s All’s Fair on November 2. She guest stars in the series. A reporter asked if she had plans to return to Bravo.
“I just did the cast trip,” she said. “And I’m doing some episodes for next season, so it’s been fun.”
RHOBH: Her Role This Season
Bravo & Cocktails reported that Richards will join Season 16 as a friend of the show. She would join Jennifer Tilly and Kathy Hilton in that role. Bravo has not shared details about how many episodes she will appear in.
Season 16 is already in production. Reports say the cast will film longer than usual, from August into November, because of the larger cast.
RHOBH: Who Else Is in the Cast
The full-time cast includes Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley, Erika Jayne, Sutton Stracke, Bozoma Saint John and Rachel Zoe.
Actress Leah Remini and Million Dollar Listing alum Tracy Tutor are joining as new full-time Housewives. Amanda Frances, who joined in Season 15, is not returning.
RHOBH: What She Said About Returning in September
This confirmation follows a softer answer a few weeks ago. In September, Richards told Runway Live she was open to a return.
“I always say never say never,” she said. “I have a lot of good memories being on the show. It’s fun doing the trips and to just have fun and be silly women, acting much younger than we are.”
She did not skip the hard parts. “I also had some challenging times on it too,” she said. “I think fame can change people, and some women are different on camera and off camera.”
Then she added, “But I would definitely be open to going back and spending time with all the ladies.”
That is a quick turnaround. The woman who said “never say never” had apparently already booked her flight.
RHOBH: Why She Left the First Time
Richards joined the main cast in Season 9 in 2019 and left after Season 10. She has appeared as a guest since then, including in Season 15.
She explained on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show that she felt isolated at the time. “I felt like no one liked me except for Garcelle, and that’s part of why I didn’t come back for a third.”
She also said her then-husband, Aaron Phypers, was “a big part” of her decision not to return. Richards and Phypers are now in a divorce that includes allegations of domestic abuse and a restraining order. Richards spoke about an abusive relationship on the show. Phypers has not been proven to have done anything in a court that is reported here.
Patricia covers the Kardashians, Real Housewives, The Traitors, and Below Deck. She specializes in breaking news and celebrity updates, from business ventures to on-screen drama. Patricia has covered reality TV and entertainment for three years.
