LuAnn de Lesseps will be returning to the Real Housewives of New York City, but you will not see her in the first three episodes.

Apparently, LuAnn didn’t sign her contract with Bravo until the network had already started filming the sixth season. The Countess, as she often refers to herself, says that it wasn’t a big deal for her not to be featured in the first episodes of the season. She says that she really didn’t want to return as a regular member of the cast, but rather as a recurring role.

“The show has been a part of my life for so long,” she said. “There’s a special place in my heart for the show, for the women, I’m really close to the women on the show. I just made the decision to step back so I can spend more time doing my things with business and my family.”

“It’s a win-win for me,” she continued. “I’m still on the show. I’m still very much a part of the show, but it’s not a full-time thing. It’s very engulfing when you’re on it. It takes up all of your mental and physical energy.”

With LuAnn now in a recurring role, Bravo made the decision to hire former model and businesswoman Kristen Taekman as her replacement. Rather than being upset over being replaced, LuAnn gave some advice to Kristen.

“Keep your head down,” she said. “My advice really to her is just to be yourself and listen to your inner voice and listen to what is natural to you. Sometimes you get caught up and you forget about being true to yourself.”

The Real Housewives of New York City will return on March 11 at 9/8c.

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