NeNe Leakes made a surprise return to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" last Sunday as she paid Cynthia Bailey a visit in her home.
Last year, the Bravo star announced that she would not return for the eighth season of the reality show, but confirmed that she will still be around in some other capacity. Now, a new report claims that the 48-year-old is being pressured to return as a full-time cast member next season, but Leakes is allegedly refusing to do so.
According to Radar Online, Leakes's recent appearance in the series was minimal but translated to higher ratings than previous season 8 episodes. As a result, Bravo executives want to bring the star back full time next year.
"The fans miss NeNe and even though there is tons of drama this year without her, with her back, it would just take the show to the next level," an insider told the website. However, the source said that Leakes isn't ready to return to the show next year, and because of this NBC Universal is now allegedly getting involved to get her back on the show.
NBC Universal is the parent company of Bravo and also oversees E!, which airs "Fashion Police," a show that Leakes is co-hosting with Melissa Rivers, Giuliana Rancic, Brad Goreski, and Margaret Cho. According to the source, the company is allegedly considering taking Leakes's spot out of the fashion series if she won't return to "RHOA."
"NeNe loves being part of 'Fashion Police,' but the network is ready to cut ties with her if she doesn't agree to their terms," said the source.
The insider added that the star seems to think that she is above doing reality television and has moved on from the Bravo show. The source said that going back would be a step back in her plan to become a global brand and that she no longer wants to be associated with the show.
Reps for Leakes and Bravo have yet to comment on the reports.
