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Cynthia Bailey is set to return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta after a few seasons away. Bailey departed the series in 2021 after season 13 and will return as a “friend” in season 16. Bailey was a fan favorite, and her departure after 10 seasons bummed out viewers. So, why did Bailey leave initially, and why is she ready to return now?

Cynthia Bailey left ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ to protect her marriage

While Bailey didn’t openly discuss it at the time, her decision to leave The Real Housewives of Atlanta appeared to be largely influenced by her marriage to Mike Hill. Following her departure from the series, Bailey said she wanted to focus on “protecting” her marriage to Hill. Their relationship played out on the show. Bailey and Hill moved to California following her departure from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Mike Hill and Cynthia Bailey pose together on the red carpet; Bailey says their split is attributed to rift in their friendship
Mike Hill and Cynthia Bailey | Robin L Marshall/WireImage

While Bailey left the series to protect her marriage, it was not enough to ensure the longevity of her union. Bailey and Hill announced their split in 2022. The couple married in 2020. Following the split, there was talk that Bailey might appear on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills next, but only in a friend role. She shot down the idea of appearing regularly on the series, although she did pop up at a party in a cameo.

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Bailey appeared on the Virtual Reali-Tea podcast in September 2023. During her appearance, she said she had no plans to return to Bravo after giving fans 11 years, two marriages, and a divorce. That has changed once again, though. Bailey’s return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta is imminent, and fans are excited for it.

When will Cynthia Bailey return to ‘RHOA’?

Just eight months ago, Cynthia Bailey said she did not see herself returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta or any show in the franchise. Things changed quickly. Bailey is back in Atlanta and set to appear in season 16. According to Page Six, Bailey was excited to return to the show to help it regain its spot as the number one Real Housewives show. She called the last two seasons “just ok.”

While Bailey will appear in the upcoming season, she won’t be appearing as a full-time housewife, at least not yet. She has committed to returning as a “friend.” Friends are not the main cast members but are more integrated into the storyline than guests. Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta is set to return to Bravo in 2025. Production on the season began in May.

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