"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."
Foxtel also confirmed the news through Arena's official web page about Gillies' departure.
The news comes after Gillies' co-star Sally Bloomfield announced that she was leaving the series. Sally released the statement earlier this week via her Instagram page.
"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"
In September 2019, the network officially announced that the series was returning for a fifth season after a two-year hiatus.
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, Bravo
