Margaret Josephs is officially saying goodbye to “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” after seven consecutive seasons.
“Hi, it’s Marge. I’m calling. I have to say something that might be a little surprising to you all, but not to me,” she shared in a video posted to her social media page on Tuesday.
“I’ve been thinking about a lot of things and I’m thinking of stepping away from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey.’ I’m sorry, but I don’t look any more appealing to you. I’ve been in negotiations with the network and Andy Cohen since December. We’ve talked about it, and I think the timing is right.”
Josephs, who filmed the clip in the Dominican Republic, where he hinted at “another project,” cited both personal and professional reasons for his departure.
“A lot of things have changed in my life. I’m lucky to be able to work on another project. I’m on set right now, but I realized I had to spend more time with my family, work on my designs, and just take a break and move on,” the 58-year-old explained.
The Macbeth Collection founder turned Bravolebrity also expressed her gratitude to her network and co-stars.
“I also want to thank NBCUniversal, Bravo, Andy, the production company, and the cast. Through the good and the bad, I love you all so much and I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “This is not the last time you will see me on TV. This is not a threat, this is a promise.”
Sources exclusively told 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 were happening, including the test shoot,” the source said. “The dialogue between Margaret, Andy, and the network has always been very open. Margaret is currently filming a new project, and Bravo fans won’t have to wait long to see Marge back on our screens in more ways than one.”
Another source stressed that Mr. Josephs was not fired, noting that the decision to leave was mutual.
The Soiree Mocktail creator’s departure comes amid continued uncertainty over the future of RHONJ, which has been put on hold after a season marred by an explosive feud between Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga.
However, the two have mended their relationship, and there is speculation that they will both return for the next movie.
For years, Josephs has been vocal about the strained relationship between Judith and her husband Luis “Louie” Ruelas, making it clear that he would not return if Judith remained on the show.
As of now, no cast announcements have been made for the next season of RHONJ, and sources say there are no plans to make any announcements in the near future.
Still, one thing Josephs is clear about is that her chapter on reality TV isn’t over yet.
