Bravo Photo: Andrew EcclesEven when not on air, the ladies of The Real Housewives of New York City know how to stir things up.
Amid Bravo's announcement this morning of a third season pickup and of a casting call for new Housewives (yes, that is plural), sources tell us that all of the Housewives are likely to come back for season three, but two wives are putting up quite a fight when it comes to negotiating their new contracts. Who are those two? And what's that shiny thing on Bethenny Frankel's finger? Read on...
Jill Zarin and Ramona Singer are the two holding out for more lucrative contracts, according to our source, who says they feel they are the true stars of the show. "Bravo put out that press release saying they're casting for new housewives because Jill and Ramona are playing hardball," says another source.
Contrary to reports that last season's newbie troublemaker Kelly Bensimon might not return for a new season, our sources say she actually was the first to resign. "She is considered the most hated woman in New York and will do anything to reverse that opinion," says a source.
It's also looking good that Bethenny will indeed be back for another round. Her rep says, "Bethenny Frankel loves being part of the Bravo family, and if invited back, she will 100 percent RSVP for the Real Housewives party."
Meanwhile, Bethenny (E! Online's Celebrity Blogger for The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the forthcoming new seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, starting July 30, and the next season of The Real Housewives of Orange County) has a pre-engagement ring from her real estate boyfriend of a less than a year, Jason Hoppy. A source tells us, "The ring is a placeholder. But she is definitely getting married."
Do you want to see all of the Housewives back for another season? Tell us about it in the comments below.