On the final day of BravoCon, during an “Ask Andy” panel, “Real Housewives” executive producer Andy Cohen announced the official cast for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” the latest entry in Bravo’s mega-franchise. Cohen also confirmed that a new season of “The Real Housewives of New York City” has been cast, and will begin filming soon. Cohen declined to name who will appear in Season 16, but it’s safe to say that BravoCon attendees Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva and Jessel Taank will be among them. Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan, whose toxic fight poisoned the already weak 15th season, have already announced their departures (which were foregone conclusions).
Cohen also expressed confidence that “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” currently on pause, will come back eventually.
With “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” as has been rumored — since they’ve both been spotted filming — former “Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” contestant Ashley Iaconetti is one of the show’s fulltime cast members, and Dolores Catania of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (who was also one of the winners of Season 3 of “The Traitors”) is a “friend” of the cast. (Official bios of the full cast are included below.)
Iaconetti’s casting is the first time a Bachelor Nation star has crossed over to “The Real Housewives.” Iaconetti, an influencer, co-hosts the “Almost Famous” podcast with ex-Bachelor Ben Higgins. She appeared on Chris Soules’ season of “The Bachelor” in 2015, and later married her “Bachelor in Paradise” castmate Jared Haibon. (They have two children.)
And she’s new to Rhode Island, the show’s trailer emphasizes. It’s Iaconetti’s voice that kicks it off, serving as our guide. “In Rhode Island, everyone knows everyone,” she says over crashing waves and drone shots of huge mansions. “People here don’t look down on other states. But they are weirded out that other states exist.”
As for Catania, she’s introduced to the show in relation to her lookalike friend, Liz. With “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” currently paused, Catania has moved to more fertile pastures, and her cast bio reads: “Rhode Island captured Dolores’s heart years ago, and she’s longed to return ever since. With her dear friend Liz McGraw living there – and a shared business project on the horizon – a sun-soaked, beach-filled summer is a natural fit for this Jersey girl.”
Here’s its official logline: “They may live in the smallest state in the country, but their drama? Extra large. As “The Real Housewives” hits its milestone 20th anniversary next year, Bravo is expanding the distinguished franchise with “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” spotlighting a fresh, charismatic group of women whose lives intertwine across the storied coastline of New England luxury. “
“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” will premiere next year.
Alicia Carmody
Rhode Island to the core, Alicia isn’t shy about her roots — just wait until you hear her say “cracker.” After eight years of engagement to fiancé Billy Kitsilis, this “Runaway Bride” still isn’t ready to take the plunge — even for their daughter, Celina. When she’s not dodging wedding bells, Alicia helps Billy run his restaurant, Pizza Mamma, proving she can handle the heat both in and out of the kitchen.
Rosie DiMare
A former local television news anchor, Rosie now shines as the host of her own lifestyle program and as a sought-after DJ. Recently celebrating her first wedding anniversary with husband Rich DiMare, a well-known Frank Sinatra style singer — Rosie calls North Kingstown home, where the couple lives with their dog, Clementine.
Ashley Iaconetti
After finding love with her now-husband — and Warwick, Rhode Island native — Jared Haibon on “Bachelor in Paradise,” Ashley has traded rose ceremonies for real life as a proud mom to two boys, Dawson and Hayden. While Jared manages their beloved coffee shop, Ashley has built a thriving career as a social media powerhouse, all while acclimating her new life in her husband’s home state.
Liz McGraw
Liz is Rhode Island royalty — the woman everyone wants to know, and the state’s very own Cannabis Queen. Alongside her husband, Gerry, she owns and operates The Slater Center, the largest and most successful cannabis dispensary in Rhode Island. But Liz isn’t just a business powerhouse — she’s also a devoted stepmom toMiranda, Briana, and Skyla, balancing family, entrepreneurship, and her signature flair for style.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli
Rulla helms a financial empire as a Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager to some of the East Coast’s most distinguished families. Rulla is married to prominent Rhode Island podiatrist, Brian, and together they juggle life with their two young children, Luca and Laila.
Kelsey Swanson
Former Miss Rhode Island, Kelsey,keeps a full plate as one of the state’s top makeup artists. Kelsey has been in a 10-year relationship with one of Rhode Island’s most notable figures, enjoying the lap of luxury while keeping her social calendar full.
Jo-Ellen Tiberi
Self-proclaimed town gossip, Jo-Ellen, knows everyone and everything worth knowing in Cranston. As one of the top aesthetic practice development managers in the country, she juggles a busy career with family life alongside her high school sweetheart and husband, Gary, and their three kids — Gian, Jolie, and Gia.
