Andy Cohen revealed that Tracy Tutor and Leah Remini had been on Bravo’s radar for years before they finally joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The Watch What Happens Live host discussed both additions during a September episode of SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. Cohen said the network had repeatedly explored bringing the two women into the RHOBH world before Season 16.
Andy Cohen confirms Tracy Tutor and Leah Remini for ‘RHOBH’
Cohen confirmed that both women had joined the upcoming season as full-time cast members.
“The big announcement is that Tracy Tutor is joining ‘The Housewives of Beverly Hills’ and Leah Remini is joining. It’s really great,” he said.
Cohen then revealed that neither casting decision came out of nowhere.
“We have been dancing around both of them for years,” he explained.
Cohen had frequently discussed the possibility with Tutor during her appearances on Watch What Happens Live. He described their previous conversations as a “public flirt” over whether she would eventually join Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
He also believed Tutor already fit naturally into the group because she knew several existing cast members.
“Every time she’s on, it is very clear that this makes very good sense,” Cohen said.
Tutor previously starred on Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. She confirmed her RHOBH Season 16 casting on Instagram in August.
“Beverly Hills is home. I’ve raised my girls here, built my career here, and now apparently I’ve decided to let you all even further into my life,” she wrote.
Cohen said Bravo had taken a more private approach with Remini.
“And Leah Remini, we have spoken behind the scenes for several years about this with her,” he revealed.
He praised the King of Queens alum’s personality and extensive Hollywood experience.
“She’s also, like, tough. I mean, she really has it,” Cohen said.
Remini later confirmed her casting on social media by writing, “It’s true.” Cohen celebrated the announcement in her comments with, “AT LONG LAST!!!”
Cohen said production had already spent about a month filming the new season. He described the progress as “going gangbusters.”
The expected returning cast included Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Bozoma Saint John and Rachel Zoe. Jennifer Tilly was also expected to return as a friend of the show.
