Nino Munoz/BravoThe Real Housewives of New Jersey is losing an original castmember.
Caroline Manzo will not be returning to the Bravo reality series for season six, E! News has confirmed.
"Caroline leaving is a natural progression," a source tells us. "As to the reason why, it will become clearer to viewers in the season finale and the reunion episodes why this was the right decision at the right time for her."
News of Manzo's exit shouldn't come as a shock to fans, as she has filmed a spinoff pilot for Bravo tentatively titled Manzo'd With Children. Below is the official synopsis:
"The pilot will follow Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo as she attempts to be the ring leader of the crazy, Italian circus around her. Her adult children are driving her more nuts than ever: Albie is single and ready to mingle, Chris is eager to come up with the best idea since the stripper/car wash and Lauren is ready to entertain the idea of letting Vito put a ring on it. With the addition of kooky Aunt Fran and her revolving door of barnyard buddies, it's one crowded house filled with personality, laughter and ham...in both pig and honey-baked forms."
Our source adds: "Her pilot has been filmed and she's definitely still part of the Bravo family."
Manzo has been with RHONJ since the very first season in 2009.
Bravo has no comment on Manzo's departure.
The season-five finale of Real Housewives of New Jersey airs this Sunday Sept. 29 on Bravo.
(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)