Jackie Gillies is sharing her thoughts on Gina Liano and Lydia Schiavello's shocking departures from The Real Housewives of Melbourne.
“Nobody knew I was coming back, and Gina even rang me up but I couldn’t answer the phone. I couldn’t lie! I have since spoken to her [Gina] and we were on the phone for two hours and you know, I actually respect why Gina has left,” she told Punkee. “She’s fallen back in love with law, she wants to focus on that, and focus on helping people. She wants to give it a good crack since she’s not long off retirement. She’s at an age now, that she’s got a good few years left [to practice law] and I get it.”
When asked if Gina might have stayed if she knew Jackie was coming back, she said, “She had already made that decision. If she had started filming Housewives, it would have been a disservice to her business. Doing Real Housewives is a massive chunk of your life, it’s four months, it’s intense, and she wouldn’t have been able to take on clients.”
Gillies is unsure why Lydia decided not to return for Season 4. “I don’t know why Lydia didn’t return. I just think she’s become a grandmother, she just wanted to experience being a grandmother and was excited about that. From what I hear, she looks after that child quite often, and they may even live with her. She’s enjoying the quieter life and you’ve got to respect people’s decisions,” she said. “When we took time off, COVID really makes you assess things, and she’s got a beautiful grandchild and wants to spend as much time with that grandchild.”
When Jackie was asked if she thinks that Lydia pulled out after Gina, because she didn’t want to return to the show without her bestie. Jackie said, “Maybe? I can’t tell you that as a fact, because I haven’t spoken to Lydia in three years,” she told Punkee. “Could it be a possibility? Yeah, it could be a possibility.”
Foxtel unveiled the official cast on Wednesday, April 14 which did not include original cast members Schiavello and 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. ❤️"
After weeks of speculation, we are sad to report that Gina Liano confirmed that she was officially leaving The Real Housewives of Melbourne after four seasons.
The glamour barrister notified her fans that she was not returning to the show's upcoming fifth season when she released a statement via her Instagram page after Foxtel unveiled the official season five cast.
"A big congratulations to the cast of The Real Housewives of Melbourne season 5!!! How exciting and welcome to the 4 newbies," she wrote. I will miss you all and look forward to watching you in season 5!!!"
"Thank you to Foxtel and matchbox pictures for a wonderful 4 seasons and for your well wishes as I step back from the show," she continued. "An extra big thank you to all my gorgeous followers who have travelled through the last 4 glorious seasons of #RHOMelbourne with me and have made it the most enjoyable ride."
She added, "I have loved it and am eternally grateful for all your love and support ❤️ Sending lots of love to you all always 😘 #excitingtimesahead 🍾🥂💃🏻 Love Gina xxxx 💋."
Liano and Schiavello 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.
On Wednesday, April 13, Foxtel revealed the NEW cast for Season 5 which include 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 Gina and Lydia? Sound off in the comment section below!
Photo Credit: Foxtel (3)
![RHONJ Season 9 Premiere Recap: Wives And Dismeanors [Episode 1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuryYm2OGpHl0P8gYhEIK2gXgipI0kBY1ubYwWZqbTzF22CZIXMfw0nwxB_lOBLW0ry_9wqEw7UyJDinR0pQS_B7M_Bnwt_3I6LuH9RAjcWPytv6ToIghyphenhyphenf6w9q18q4BtA_YOdBgYeKng/w680/181022_3816506_The_RHONJ_Season_9_Taglines_Are_Here_.jpg)
