'Black Ink Crew: Chicago': Will Ne-Yo's estranged wife appear as Ryan's love interest after mid-season break?

Ryan and Crystal were grabbing a few drinks in Chicago, glimpses of which were all over Crystal's Instagram
Ne-Yo, Crystal Renay (Getty Images); Ryan Henry(VH1)
Ne-Yo, Crystal Renay (Getty Images); Ryan Henry(VH1)

'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' went on a mid-season break on February 19 and a lot has happened in that time. Personal equations and businesses have changed drastically, owing to the COVID-19 crisis, which will form a major part of the story arc for every cast member.

Recently, VH1 has announced the return of the popular reality show and it's going to get a whole lot messier. 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' returns on May 6, Wednesday. 

Interestingly, there's a good chance we may see a new character on the show. A good bit of the remaining episodes have been shot after the world shut down and stayed indoors to fight the pandemic, which means Ryan Henry's alleged love interest may be a part of the show. 

In February, Ryan made headlines for hanging out with rapper-songwriter Ne-Yo's estranged wife, Crystal Renay Smith, in Chicago. The two were grabbing a few drinks in the city, glimpses of which were all over Crystal's Instagram, The Blast reported.

Does this mean, he split with longterm girlfriend Rachel Leigh, with whom he was vacationing a few months ago (as shown in the last episode before the show went on a break)? The status of their relationship is unknown and so is the timeline. But, from the now-deleted IG story that the 'Birthday Sex' singer Jeremih uploaded, it would be safe to say that she has moved on. 

In the photo, a screenshot of which has been shared by Atlanta Blackstar, Rachel and their (Rachel and Ryan's) son lie in the bed together. As soon as the fans got wind of it, they called her out for leading Ryan on. But she wasn't the one to take it kindly. When one of the users wrote: "Pass Ryan over here sis. I'll take him," she responded with a rather snarky comment. "It's ghetto. I don't recommend," Rachel wrote.

Ryan was also shown to have gone on a few dates with Kitty Sovain, but that never culminated into something overtly romantic. So, maybe we can forget about that story arc? Or, Kitty could be back with a lot of resentment and an intention to confront Ryan about why he didn't pursue the sexual tension that they both shared. 

Check the sneak peek here.

In other news, Charmaine Walker and Neek Bey had a baby girl, Nola Glenda Bey, while the coronavirus crisis was at its peak. Both the mother and baby are healthy and safe.

Catch all the new episodes of 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' on VH1 every Wednesday. 

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