Actress Leah Remini is joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for its 16th season, bringing one of the franchise’s most recognisable new names into the long-running reality series.
Remini confirmed the development on social media after reports of her casting emerged, posting “It’s true!!” alongside an image from an earlier appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live. Bravo has also confirmed her addition to the upcoming season.
The 56-year-old actress is expected to begin filming in Los Angeles this week. Production on Season 16 is already underway, with several existing cast members having recently travelled to Ghana for Bozoma Saint John’s wedding.
Remini will not be the only newcomer. Tracy Tutor, known for Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, announced earlier this month that she was joining the Beverly Hills franchise.
Familiar faces return
Season 16 is expected to retain much of the show's established lineup. Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke, Bozoma Saint John and Rachel Zoe are among those reported to be returning as full-time cast members.
Jennifer Tilly is expected to appear as a “friend” of the cast, while Kathy Hilton is also set to return in a recurring capacity.
The reshuffle follows the departure of Amanda Frances, who joined the programme for Season 15 but announced earlier in August that she would not be returning. Frances said she was grateful for her experience on the show but felt it was time to move on.
No premiere date for Season 16 has yet been announced.
Remini no stranger to reality TV
Although widely recognised for playing Carrie Heffernan opposite Kevin James in the sitcom The King of Queens, Remini has extensive experience outside scripted television.
She previously opened up her family life to cameras in the TLC reality series Leah Remini: It’s All Relative, which aired between 2014 and 2015.
Remini later became known for her public criticism of the Church of Scientology after leaving the organisation in 2013. She subsequently co-created and presented the documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which examined the experiences of former Scientologists and won Emmy awards.
Her television credits also include Kevin Can Wait, Saved by the Bell and Fired Up, while her film appearances include the 2018 romantic comedy Second Act alongside her longtime friend Jennifer Lopez.
Remini's personal life has also undergone significant change in recent years. She and actor Angelo Pagán ended their marriage in 2024 after more than two decades together. The former couple have continued to speak publicly about maintaining a close family relationship following their separation.
Her arrival, alongside Tutor, gives Season 16 two high-profile additions as Bravo refreshes the cast of one of the best-known instalments of its Real Housewives franchise.