Erika Jayne has always been the perfect addition to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills simply for the fact that she understood her mission. The Pretty Mess singer was introduced with quite the story regarding her much older now estranged husband. She never missed a chance to sport some avant-garde fashion that would put Dorit Kemsley to shame. And when needed, she knew how to break the facade of a lovely Georgia peach and become downright mean. But everything about Erika made her the perfect Bravoleb. So imagine my heartbreak when the rumor mill whispered that Erika might be bowing out from the beloved franchise.
Erika Jayne leaving RHOBH after a good season would be strange
Erika had a good season. Dare I say she had a great season on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? She was no longer the center spotlight for the fallout with Tom Girardi, and she didn’t have Lisa Rinna as her sidekick. The blonde seemed to tone down her abruptness and take the position of a loyal friend. Watching her, Kyle Richards, and Dorit really form a bond was nice. And naturally, her going for the juggler with Sutton Stracke was pure TV gold. Life has humbled Erika, and she is now passing on some hard truths to her friends.
She understands fashion on a very deep level and clearly has a love for it that she passes on to viewers. Erika is arguably one of the most emotionally in-touch RHOBH stars, even if she feels she lacks empathy. Whether it was menopause or not, she is ridiculously beautiful and quite intelligent. So when I noticed Erika had been downgraded to “former RHOBH” star on an event flyer, I was worried. Erika is now facing rumors that she is leaving the show.
Erika Jayne needs to complete her redemption arc before leaving RHOBH
The event flyer read via @bravosnarkside: “Erika Jayne … The iconic musician, TV star and former Real Housewife heads to Camden.” I can’t even wrap my head around Erika’s possible departure before she gets her full-fledged redemption arc. When Erika first walked onto the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills scene, the world was her oyster. She had money and a social standing and was working towards her music goals. Naturally, her divorce filing in 2020 shook the Bravosphere and set her back.
As time passed, she became a pariah due to Tom’s embezzling charges. However, she has denied any wrongdoing since day one. As the seasons continued, so did Erika’s hustle. She landed a gig in Las Vegas, Bet It All on Blonde, which relaunched her music career. Season 14 showed Erika moving forward in a positive direction, and she even was recast in Chicago on Broadway. So, to let the Rollercoaster singer go before she has had her happy ending seems a bit short-sighted. When she decides to hang up her diamond, I hope it will be after she has landed back on top, wholly divorced Tom, and all her legal cases are behind her. I want to see Erika win, damn it!
Does RHOBH need a recast?
So, the question needs to be asked. If Erika is a “former” Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, who else needs to be recast? We’ve already seen this step taken in other franchises like the Real Housewives of New York and the Real Housewives of Atlanta. So, is it time to polish the diamonds? Garcelle Beauvais has already announced her exit. And Kyle looks like she is at her wits end having filmed her separation and friendship with Morgan Wade. I’ve never been a fan of Dorit, and while she was much more interesting than usual, I’d be okay if she got the boot.
For the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to continue as it is, the women are going to have to be completely honest for Season 15. Frankly, we need Kyle to sign on the dotted line when it comes to her divorce or film with Morgan. It’s that simple. I need Bravo to bring Jennifer Tilly back as a friend of because she was a firecracker. And Erika has to at least give one more season. God knows she needs the paycheck. I kid, I kid … But really, don’t go breaking my heart, Erika.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WOULD YOU BE UPSET IF ERIKA JAYNE LEFT RHOBH?
