Margaret Josephs is officially saying goodbye to “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” after seven consecutive seasons.
“Hi guys, it’s the Marge. I’m dialing in. I have to tell you something that might come as a little surprise to you but not for me,” she shared in a video posted to her social media pages Tuesday.
“I’ve been thinking about a lot of different things and I am moving on from the ‘Housewives of New Jersey.’ Sorry I don’t look a little more glamorous for you. I’ve been in talks with the network and Andy Cohen since December. We’ve discussed it and I think the timing is right.”
Filming the clip from the Dominican Republic, where she teased a “different project,” Josephs cited both personal and professional reasons for her exit.
“A lot of things have changed in my life. I’ve been blessed to work on a different project. I’m on the set right now and I realized I have to spend more time with my family, work on my designing and just take a break and move on,” the 58-year-old explained.
The Macbeth Collection founder-turned-Bravolebrity also expressed gratitude to the network and her co-stars.
“I also wanted to say I want to thank NBCUniversal, Bravo, Andy, our production company, my cast — the good and the bad, I really do love you all. I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “This will not be the last you see of me on television. That’s not a threat, it’s a promise.”
An insider exclusively tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” that Josephs’ departure was not the result of any behind-the-scenes drama.
“A lot has changed in Marge’s life over the past year while these conversations have been happening, including test filming,” the source says. “The dialogue has always been very open between Margaret, Andy, and the network. Margaret is currently filming a new project, and Bravo fans won’t have to wait long to see Marge back on their screens in multiple ways.”
A separate source emphasizes that Josephs was not fired, noting the decision to leave was mutual.
The Soirée mocktails creator’s exit comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of “RHONJ,” which has been on hiatus following a deeply fractured season driven by the explosive feud between Teresa Giudice and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga.
However, the pair has mended their relationship, sparking speculation that both could return for the next installment.
For years now, Josephs was vocal about her own strained dynamic with Giudice and the latter’s husband, Luis “Louie” Ruelas, making it clear she would not come back if Giudice remained part of the show.
As of now, no casting announcements for the next season of “RHONJ” have been made, and an insider tells us that none are expected anytime soon.
Still, Josephs is making one thing clear: her reality TV chapter is far from over.
Read the full article here
