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Denise Richardshas officially joinedThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The 47-year-old actressconfirmed her participation in the hit Bravo show’s upcoming ninth seasonexclusively to PEOPLE, saying “I am so excited to join the cast of[RHOBH]as I am a huge fan of the show.”
She’ll joinLisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards,Lisa Rinna,Erika Girardi,Teddi Mellencamp ArroyaveandDorit Kemsley, all of whom are expected to be back for another round of drama in the 90210.
“I am looking forward to spending time with all the ladies… and hopefully meeting Boy George!!” Richards added to PEOPLE, referencing Kemsley’s close friendship with the ’80s pop icon. (Her husband, Paul, is Boy George’s manager.)
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“Everyone is really excited about the possibility of having her on board!” said the insider.
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TheWild Thingsstar had been rumored to be in discussions with producers for years, but “the timing was never right,” a second source close to the show told PEOPLE.
“Denise has been wanting to join the show for a long time,” the source explained. “She’s a hugeHousewivesfan and watches all of the shows. And she has close relationships with many of the women in real life, including Kyle andLisa Rinna.”
“The timing was never right for her in the past, but the producers needed to shake the dynamic of the show up after a season without much conflict,” the source continued. “She’s going to be a great fit. She’s not afraid of the drama. And she lives a glamorous, Hollywood life — which the show looks for.”
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Richards is a mother of three daughters: Sam, 14, Lola, 13 and Eloise, 7. (Sam and Lola’s dad is Richards’ ex-husbandCharlie Sheen.)
She’s also no stranger to reality television. Her showDenise Richards: It’s Complicated, ran for two seasons on E! before ending in 2009.
RHOBHpremiered on Bravo in 2010. It was the sixth installment ofHousewivesfranchise the network developed, followingOrange County,New York City,Atlanta,New Jerseyand the now-cancelledD.C.
Season 9 ofthe show is expected to premiere later this year.
source: people.com
