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Cynthia Bailey Reacts to NeNe Leakes' Real Housewives of Atlanta Departure: The Show Isn't About Just One Person

Bravo star also discusses her marriage and new sunglasses line

By Mike Vulpo, Jennifer Cooper Jul 04, 2015 11:23 PMTags
Cynthia Bailey, Real Housewives AtlantaBravo

Out with the old and in with the new!

That's what Cynthia Bailey may be thinking when it comes to the upcoming season of Real Housewives of Atlanta.

While the model appears to be ready to go for another year, co-stars Claudia Jordan and NeNe Leakes are moving on to other projects. With so many casting changes, does Bravo's highest-rated show still have what it takes to remain on top?

"Well the show has never been about one person. It's just not what makes it work," Bailey revealed to E! News exclusively at the Essence Festival. "Sometimes you gotta change it up and mix it up. I look forward to a really great drama-filled season."

But isn't the loss of an OG Housewife extra hard? According to Bailey, it wasn't exactly a shocking announcement

Watch: Cynthia Bailey Says "RHOA" Will Go on Without NeNe

"You know, I wasn't super surprised because I used to be very close with NeNe so I knew that at some point, she wanted to do other things and rightfully so because I think she has had a great run on the show," Bailey explained. "In my opinion, she will always be the original Atlanta Housewife and I wish her well."

She added, "We text back and forth…When I heard the news about her leaving the show, I shot her a text and said good luck to you. May you continue to shine. Do your thing so we are cool."

As for who could be joining the outspoken group of women, rumors have been swirling that Kim Fields may be ready to enter the picture. While Bailey hasn't met the actress, she does have a certain lady in mind to keep the show fresh.

"I am just excited for someone to come in who is a spit fire, someone who is not just gonna come in and check things out," she explained. "I don't know who yet but whoever you are, please audition for the Real Housewives of Atlanta. We need you!"

Alex Martinez

Until cameras start rolling, the Bravolebrity will be focused on her new Cynthia Bailey Eyewear as well as a hair venture that will be announced shortly.

"It's the beginning of my accessories line that I want to do," she teased. "I feel like personal style is so important, more so than what things cost and labels and those things. It's really how you put it together and that's what I'm interested in and teaching everybody."

She's also trying to keep things hot in the romance department with husband Peter Thomas. While two busy careers can sometimes keep the lovebirds away, the pair always make time for romance.

"A lot of our date nights revolve around work," she admitted. "But we try to go together and then you know, have a booty call at the end of the night after we finish working!"

And that's how you keep in hot in Hotlanta!