Lydia Schiavello Confirms She’s Not Returning To ‘The Real Housewives Of Melbourne’ After Four Seasons!

Lydia Schiavello shocked fans when they learned she wasn't returning to The Real Housewives of Melbourne for the show's upcoming fifth season. 

Foxtel unveiled the official cast on Wednesday, April 14 which did not include original cast members Schiavello and fan-favorite Gina Liano.

Schiavello released a statement via her Instagram about her departure from the series. 

"The last four seasons have truly been an extraordinary journey, incredibly entertaining and good fun but with much consideration, I have made the personal decision to step away from RHOMelbourne. I love the show, I love the girls and all the people involved from Foxtel to the production house Matchbox, however the changes of this world caused me to pause and re-evaluate my life," she wrote. "Sharing my personal life with you and in Lydia’s kitchen together with Mr Figaro has brought me tremendous joy."

"I will miss the camaraderie the interaction with viewers and the challenges that my fellow cast members presented. I look forward to spending quality time with my husband, family and friends."

Lydia also thanked Brian Walsh, Foxtel's executive director of television, "I want to thank Brian Walsh for the incredible opportunity and his unrelenting support."

She also thanked the fans for all their love and support. "MY FANS for all their love and support. We have cried and laughed together THANK YOU for your care kindness and heartfelt messages for the last 9 years I could not have done it without YOU. My achievements, determination and passion have been with your support. I will always be grateful, I will always be connected to you."

She added, "Thanks to all the behind the scenes: camera crew, sound crew, art director, runners, publicity, photographers, stylists and most of all my hair and make up team thank you. X

I wish Season 5 ladies all the best. ❤️"

Schiavello and Liano were originally scheduled to return with Janet Roach and Gamble Breaux when Foxtel first revealed the cast for Season 5 in February 2020. They were joined by new cast members Anjali Rao, Cherry Dipietrantonio, and Kyla Kirkpatrick.

Earlier today, Foxtel revealed the NEW cast for Season 5 which includes Roach, Breaux with newbies, Rao, Dipietrantonio, Kirkpatrick along with new cast member Simone Elliott. Despite calling it quits last year, original cast member Jackie Gillies is returning to the series, which is set to air later this year.

Will you miss Lydia? Sound off in the comment section below!

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Photo Credit: Bravo Media/NBCUniversal via Foxtel