RHOBH's Kyle Richards says co-stars ‘prayed to get Covid’ to skip ‘awkward’ Season 11 reunion
Fans got to see the Season 11 reunion of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' in four parts after months of Kathy Hilton's colorful comments, Harry Hamlin's magnificent dinner parties, and one notorious pair of "ugly leather pants." However, 'RHOBH' actress Kyle Richards recently said that some of her castmates 'were praying for Covid' to avoid filming the 'awkward' 11th season reunion last fall.
Many of the housewives' friendships were tested during Season 11. Garcelle Beauvais and Dorit Kemsley grew apart, while newcomer Crystal Kung Minkoff attempted to navigate through the housewives' affiliations and feuds. Erika Girardi (a.k.a. Erika Jayne) and her legal turmoil with ex-husband Tom Girardi were at the heart of it all. Richards is currently starring in Season 12 of 'RHOBH' alongside Garcelle Beauvais, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne Girardi, Lisa Rinna, and newcomer Diana Jenkins. Kathy Hilton, her sister, has returned as a 'friend of' for the episodes, and Sheree Zampino has also joined the cast.
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The former child actress revealed her and her castmates' experiences while recording the reunion for lengthy hours on the July 4 episode of 'This Morning.' The 'Halloween Kills' actress spoke up about how difficult it is to live life in front of a camera, saying that the reunions seem like a "boxing match," but they "have to" go through with it. She shared how the cast is bound to film the reunion as they have already signed up for it. The cast must ensure that it is carried out till the very finish.
"For all of us, just the night before, the amount of stress, the amount of excuses – I think some were praying to get Covid or something so they don’t have to show up," Richards joked. Richards described how she imagined herself prepping up to enter the ring by getting a massage and hitting the bed early. "I literally have to meditate - anything I can to get through that day," she continued. As it's "brutal, so awkward, and sometimes you don't speak to each other after," being on a sofa for 12 hours.
Richards, who has attended all 12 reunions since 2010, reminded co-host Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that they are sisters despite the controversies. Even when things become hard, they consider each other blood and always find themselves back together. Richards also provided insight into the Housewives' inner workings, maintaining that none of the drama is 'set up or scripted,' and that cameras would be rolling for four months - before the group spends the rest of the year promoting the show or relaxing. The producers interact with the cast and inquire about their personal lives, and events unfold from there.
Richards, who never wanted to undertake a soap opera or reality program, finds herself in the middle of one after 12 seasons. When the Bravo show originally aired in 2010, the reality star was joined by her sister Kim Richards and her estranged best friend, Lisa Vanderpump. She is the final OG from Beverly Hills, however, she has indicated that she is about to leave the franchise. So now, she has been trying to persuade executive producer Andy Cohen to let the group film portions of Season 13 in London. "This is my number one request to get to film in London. If I survive this series, I want to do that," Richards added.
"I always say, 'I don't know,' and each season I think, 'Well maybe I can do one more'," she revealed in a recent interview when asked if she will return for another season when season 12 finishes. After a turbulent season 12, the actress stated that she is still considering another season of the show. Richards addressed E! News about why she always contemplates leaving the show — and gave her thoughts on a hypothetical season 13 — in an interview.
Richards revealed that after Season 12 wrapped, she was certain it was her final season as a Housewife. "I was like, 'There's absolutely no way,'" she explained. "'I'm done. I'm finished. I want to live my life in peace. I can't take this.'"
She isn't planning on quitting the show just yet, but Richards has stated that she is winging every choice related to the franchise. "I don't know," she said when asked if she'll return for Season 13. "I just take it day by day."
The current season of Bravo is still in progress, so viewers aren't sure what compelled Richards to reconsider her role on the show. Her relationship with sister Kathy Hilton has been strongly portrayed in recent seasons, including some family conflict and their troubled sibling relationship. The season has also centered on Dorit Kemsley's home invasion and robbery, and Richards has been embroiled in the conflict surrounding the tragedy. Sutton Stracke was called out for her unusual attitude to the house invasion.
More of Richards can be seen on Bravo's 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' which airs on Wednesdays.
