Another full-time cast member is leaving "The Real Housewives of New York" as Kristen Taekman has confirmed that she won't be coming back to the Bravo show for its eighth season.
In a statement to E! News, the mother-of-two said, "My experience during my time on 'RHONY' was fantastic and I made some great new friends. At this time in my life, I have decided to concentrate on my family and my new business ventures Pop of Color nail polish and Last Night's Look, my fashion blog. I will remain a Housewife and part of an amazing franchise forever and that is what is important."
Taekman joined the show in season 6 and immediately created waves with series veteran Bethenny Frankel when the model and the Skinnygirl mogul threw water at each other during a party. This summer, Taekman's husband, Josh, made headlines when it was revealed that he had an Ashley Madison account. The couple has two children, son Cassius, 5, and daughter Kingsley, 2.
Taekman's exit follows recent reports that some of the Housewives of New York have been holding out for more money before signing on for season 8. According to sources from Page Six, LuAnn de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer are still negotiating new contracts since they reportedly want to get an offer that is much closer to what Frankel is making.
The website reports that Frankel agreed to return to the Bravo series last season when the network offered her $1 million to return to reality TV, and the source said that the "other women aren't even close in salary."
But the holdout could be a disadvantage for the three as according to the insider, Frankel has some names in mind to replace those who will not be returning to the show. Moreover, the tactic could even result in a demotion in the series as according to Reality Tea, de Lesseps was demoted to "friend" in season 6 partly because she held out for a long time during contract negotiations.
Though it is unsure at this point who among the Housewives will be returning to the show, Page Six says that Frankel, Dorinda Medley, and Carole Radziwill have already begun filming for season 8. Earlier this year, Heather Thomson already confirmed that she won't be coming back to the show to focus on her shapewear line.
"The Real Housewives of New York" is expected to return to Bravo in 2016.
