Earlier this week, NeNe Leakes announced her surprising decision to bow out of season 8 of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." The reality star has been with the Bravo franchise since its first season, and her fans were certainly disappointed to learn that they won't be hearing her "NeNe-isms" when the show returns. But now, there are reports that the 47-year old is negotiating a part-time return to "RHOA."
There has been speculation that Leakes, who left the show for a primetime game show revival with Betty White, quit as a tactic to command a higher salary in order to return as a "friend of the Housewives" for season 8. However, Leakes quashed the rumors, telling People magazine that she is definitely not returning for season 8 and will not appear at all, even as a guest. She recently told the magazine that she's sure she'll come back at some point, but not in season 8.
Leakes' manager, Steven Grossman, confirmed to Perez Hilton that reality star won't be returning for season 8.
"[NeNe was] never negotiating with Bravo for the upcoming eighth season of RHOA," Grossman stated. "Her departure was driven by what made the most sense in terms of her long time career objectives and everything else she wants to accomplish."
Meanwhile, TMZ reports that "RHOA" producers believed Leakes would agree to return on a part-time basis and are now worried about the upcoming season, reportedly fearing that the show won't be as successful without the star. In her interview with People, Leakes said that the show will definitely have a "different tone" now that she's gone, but hopes that the series continues to succeed.
Leakes is set to make a return to television on ABC's revival of the 50's game show, "To Tell the Truth." As of now, no premiere date has been announced for the upcoming show.
