Andy Cohen addresses Kelly Bensimon’s ‘RHONY’ replacement list, shuts down ‘RHONJ’ casting rumors

Spilling the tea.

Andy Cohen has responded to former cast member Kelly Bensimon telling Page Six that she “sent a list” of potential new “Real Housewives of New York” names to the Bravo head honco in hopes of reviving the show amid low ratings.

“Well, she did send me a list,” Cohen confirmed on Monday’s episode of SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live.”

Andy Cohen responded to recent “Real Housewives” stories during Monday’s episode of SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live.” Getty Images Cohen confirmed that Kelly Bensimon sent him a “list” of potential new “Real Housewives of New York” cast members. Brian Zak/Page Six

The “Real Housewives” producer, 56, confirmed that the “RHONY” alum, also 56, not only put her own name on the list –– but also asked that the show be “anchored” around her.

“You know, funnily enough, she does email me more than you might expect,” Cohen said.

While on air, Cohen attempted to sift through his emails to find the list of cast members Bensimon had sent over. Unfortunately, he had no luck in his search so the other names were not revealed.

The “Real Housewives” honcho claimed Bensimon wanted the revived show to be “anchored” around her. GC Images The “RHONY” alum previously told Page Six about her list. Brian Zak/Page Six

However, he did tease one other person on the list by saying, “One of the people is someone that I’ve known forever and someone that you know who is not going to do it.”

Bensimon, who starred on Seasons 2 through 4 of “RHONY, recently told Page Six that she pitched a few names to Cohen.

“Everybody says I should be back on ‘Housewives,’” Bensimon told us while visiting our studio in New York City last week. “And I’m happy to do it with — not to be mean, but, like, not this cast. I sent a whole list to Andy. I was like, ‘Here’s the mothership.’”

Bensimon, who starred on “RHONY” for three seasons, advocated for some of the former cast members to return. Getty Images “RHONY” was rebooted in 2023 and now stars Racquel Chevremont, Sai De Silva, Jessel Taank, Jenna Lyons, Erin Lichy, Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan. Danielle Levitt/Bravo via Getty Images

Bensimon didn’t share any of the names on her list at the time, but said they all “have these narratives, these divorces” but they’re all “very New York.”

“My biggest criticism — and it’s been the same thing throughout since I was on — is that the ultimate character on the show is New York and we’re not seeing New York,” she argued.

The “RHONY” cast was revamped in 2022 and replaced longtime cast members Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps with younger women like Erin Lichy and former J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons.

Cohen also addressed rumors about the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast. Getty Images for SiriusXM A report recently claimed that Teresa Giudice, Dolores Catania and Melissa Gorga were the only cast members to stay on Bravo in some capacity. Ralph Bavaro/Bravo

Cohen has previously defended Bravo’s decision to recast the series and has denied speculation that the former cast members will return.

During his latest SiriusXM episode, Cohen also shut down a report by OK! Magazine that claimed Melissa Gorga and Dolores Catania were the only ones returning to “RHONJ.”

“Bravo has said nothing,” Cohen stated. “No one has any information. There is no information. I cannot stress this enough. Y’all are not going to hear anything for a while.”

However, Cohen maintained that “there is no information” regarding the “RHONJ” cast. bravoandy/Instagram The “Watch What Happens Live” host encouraged people to only listen to official Bravo announcements. bravoandy/Instagram

Cohen reminded his listeners to be cautious of reports that surface that aren’t officially confirmed by Bravo.

“If it says, ‘Bravo has announced,’ or ‘Andy said on his radio,’ then it is true,” he continued. “That’s what I will tell you. Don’t believe anything else.”

The rumor mill began buzzing last week after sources told OK! that Gorga and Catania received “RHONJ” contracts, while Teresa Giudice would be “given a spinoff.”

The current “RHONJ” cast includes Catania, Giudice, Gorga, Rachel Fuda, Margaret Josephs, Jennifer Aydin and Danielle Cabral. Andrew Eccles/Bravo Bravo has yet to make any official announcements about the “RHONJ” reboot. Danielle Del Valle/Bravo

Back in July, Cohen confirmed that Bravo would be “rebooting the show” and doing “something different.”

“We’re gonna see what we do,” he said at the time. “We’ll see. I don’t know. Maybe just all fresh faces.”

In addition to Giudice, Gorga and Catania, the most recent cast includes Jennifer Aydin, Margaret Josephs, Danielle Cabral and Rachel Fuda.