“It’s happening! The season 5 announcement is THIS Wednesday! Click the link in bio to find out how to tune in! #rhomelbourne #foxtel #arena,” the network shared via the show's official Instagram page.
According to Foxtel's press release, “the official season 5 lineup will be announced on Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 in Melbourne.”
“The announcement will available to watch via live-stream on Foxtel Twitter, Arena Facebook and RHOMelbourne Facebook beginning at 11am AEDT.”
The news comes after Sally Bloomfield, Venus Behbahani-Clark and original cast member Jackie Gillies announced this week that they were not returning to the Foxtel hit reality series for the show's upcoming fifth season.
“I will be out of office for The Real Housewives of Melbourne season 5! @rhomelbourne
So grateful to have worked with an amazing and unbelievably hardworking production crew @matchbox_pictures, and network @foxtel who together with the cast, work endless hours to make this show a hit!," she wrote on Instagram.
“This year I’m hanging my heels 👠 and concentrating on my growing family and I can’t wait for my little BOY 💙 to join our pack .... yes it’s A BOYYYY👼🏻👶🏼 and we are ecstatic!!!!!,” she added the hashtags, “#pregnant #outofoffice #rhomelbourne #rhom #foxtel #arenatv #dodoltala #itsaboy #pregnantmumma #blessed #angels”
“This Sheriff is riding off into the sunset.. Sadly I won’t be returning to Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Melbourne! Wishing the new cast and crew a great season, can’t wait to binge watch!!!,” she wrote. “Thanks for all the love, had a blast! #nosheriffinrhomtown #giddyup #sallybloomfield #bloomfieldbali @rhomelbourne @foxtel @matchbox_pictures”
As for Jackie, she announced her departure the next day after Bloomfield. “Hi lovers, I made the decision not to return to #RHOMelbourne for Season 5,” she wrote. "Want to know why? Grab @stellarmag out tomorrow,” she teased.
She concluded by thanking her fans for the love and support. “Love ya's and thank you for your continued love & support,” she added a kiss emoji along with the hashtag, “#shineshineshine.”
Brian Walsh, the executive director of television for Foxtel comments on the show returning for a fifth season. “This series has a huge following of loyal and adoring fans and it was paramount we picked the perfect time to commission a fifth season,” Mr. Walsh said, according to news.com.au.
Foxtel will be launching four new channels, Fox One, Fox Funny, Fox Hits, and Fox Crime. The Foxtel Lifestyle Group, which recently came under the control of Wendy Moore has undergone a brand revision which now also includes Arena channel.
“Our female audiences are incredibly important and this wholesale revision and revitalisation of the Lifestyle Group doubles-down on delivering more value through relevant and contemporary programming for Australian women and their families,” said Delany, according to TV Tonight.
“We know that seeing your own lives and dreams beam directly to your home is a powerful motivator. Our Lifestyle channels have built a strong emotional connection with women by inspiring them with what’s on-trend and what’s possible.
“We know however that life is about the perfect mixture of sugar and spice. Part of viewer enjoyment and well-being involves indulging their guilty pleasures.
“This is where the repositioning and refresh of the Arena channel fits in as the home of risqué reality, glamour and salacious gossip and drama. This will see the channel air a fresh, new series of Australia’s Real Housewives of Melbourne in 2020.”
Walsh then revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that there would be a major 'shake up' to stop the show from becoming predictable.
“Last season, Gina said that she would not come back to the show if Sally [Bloomfield] was on the series, so that's taken us some time to see how we move forward,” he explained. “Gina's an important part of the franchise and we'd love to see her back, but we can't have a situation where the talent is dictating the creative on the show.”
He added: “I think it'll be fun casting and I hope that we can uncover some great new faces.”
Photo Credit: Foxtel
