Report: Fashion Designer Leah McSweeney To Replace Bethenny Frankel On ‘RHONY’

It’s only been a matter of days since Bethenny Frankel revealed she was exiting “The Real Housewives of New York City”, but reports indicate producers may have already found her replacement.

According to Us Weekly, fashion designer Leah McSweeney has been tapped to fill the spot vacated by the 48-year-old Skinnygirl mogul, who announced via Instagram on Wednesday that she’s exiting the show ahead of its upcoming 12th season.

McSweeney, CEO and founder of female fashion line Married to the Mob, is reportedly friends with “RHONY” cast member Tinsley Mortimer, who joined the show in its ninth season.

“Leah and Tinsley are friends and have filmed together,” a source tells the magazine. “Leah is a great addition to the show. She’s glamorous, fun and wild in all the right ways.”

McSweeney, 36, is no stranger to reality TV; as Us Weekly reports, she appeared in a 2010 episode of the Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker”, and also made a cameo on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: New York”.

If Bravo has indeed cast McSweeney as the latest Big Apple Housewife, it would jibe with some info dished by “RHONY” star Luann de Lesseps during an interview with Michelle Collins’ SiriusXM radio show on Monday when she dismissed rumours that Missy Pool (a close friend of Housewife Ramona Singer) would be joining the cast.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Luann, 54, told Collins. “I think they already cast somebody else. Can’t tell you who, but I think they did!”

In her announcement, Frankel said there was no ill will surrounding her exit, issuing a statement to Variety explaining that it was time for her to “move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women. With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power that women have.”

ET Canada has reached out to reps from Bravo for comment.

The 12th season of “The Real Housewives of New York City” will return to Slice sometime next year.

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I wanted to take a moment to write a personal note to you. I am so grateful to you for sticking with me through everything. You started this journey with me in my tiny apartment in my late 30s, wondering what would happen to me. I was broke, single, had no family and no idea what the future held. I had big dreams and I never stopped, but I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get here. You helped me to get here. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles. You would give me your honest opinion about my products and projects and helpful advice about divorce, relationships, motherhood, miscarriages, health, and surviving the death of a loved one and almost my own. You have shared your ideas with me and I have been inspired by and learned from you. I am fortunate to have created a business and career that some people only dream of. I had a beautiful baby girl who is now 9 years old, and she has changed me as a human being. I was able to give back and help people all over the world who have been hit with the worst of unforeseen circumstances, which we will all continue together. GO for it. Whatever it is. Reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen. Come from a place of yes and it’s yours for the taking. Thank you so much for your love and support. And stay tuned, you haven’t seen the last of me. There are many amazing things to come. I love you all and am so lucky to have you in my life! PS: New York City is still my playground. . ♥️xo♥️ . B

A post shared by Bethenny Frankel (@bethennyfrankel) on Aug 21, 2019 at 4:23pm PDT