Kelly Dodd and husband Rick Leventhal are “living their best lives” despite having both been let go from their jobs at The Real Housewives of Orange County and Fox News.
“I’ve been with a terrific network for 24 years and am so proud of the work I did and so thankful for the support from colleagues and viewers,” Leventhal told Page Six. “I’m living my best life in California with Kelly now and have never been happier.”
The reporter says that his wife is “really excited” for what the future holds.
“Kelly had a terrific five years with ‘RHOC’ and developed a remarkably loyal fan base who’ve shown her incredible love and support, especially this week,” he told the publication. “She is grateful to Bravo for all the opportunities and we’re both enjoying our newfound freedom. She and I are really excited about this change in our lives, giving us the time and room to be more creative on our own and make our dreams come true together.”
Leventhal and Dodd tied the knot in October 2020. The couple met in the Hamptons in August 2019, and had a long-distance relationship for some time before Leventhal asked his job to relocate him for love.
However, the move apparently contributed to his departure from Fox News.
“When Rick came to us and asked to cease reporting breaking news nationally and remain in Los Angeles where we relocated him at his request in 2020, we understood and respected his decision to spend more time with his wife building a new life in California,” a rep for the network told Page Six. “We wish him much luck and happiness in all of his future endeavors and thank him for his incredible contributions to Fox News Media over the last 24 years.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Dodd along with Braunwyn Windham-Burke, and Elizabeth Lyn Vargas were not asked to return to RHOC for the show's upcoming Season 16. According to reports, Bravo decided not to renew their contracts.
A spokesperson confirmed the news to Variety about Windhand-Burke, Lyn Vargas, and Dodd’s departures.
Shannon Storms Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson, however, are all returning for Season 16. They will be joined by former Housewife Heather Dubrow, who originally left the series in 2017 after five seasons. Variety added that one or two new women will also join the cast.
However, it was reported that Braunwyn’s best friend Noella Bergener is joining the cast for Season 16 after Windham-Burke’s firing.
“Noella is coming on board as a cast member for the new season, though Braunwyn will not be returning,” a source told The Sun. “They tested her out before the firing decisions were made. She has good chemistry with other potential new cast members.”
That’s not all. It’s being reported that Tamra Judge is also returning to RHOC as a “friend.”
Photo Credit: Bravo Media/NBCUniversal
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