Big changes are coming for Vanderpump Rules in Season 12. And Ariana Madix is talking about it.
On November 26, Bravo announced that it was totally revamping the show. When filming resumes, the show returns to its roots by featuring an entirely new cast of people who actually work at SUR.
As a now-alum of the show which made her a star, Ariana has some thoughts on casting. She wants us to remember that “it’s not about the pasta.” It could also be about sandwiches.
The Queen and her Corgis
Ariana Madix suggests her sandwich shop as a filming location
“I think they should be looking for people who are unapologetically themselves,” she told E! News at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment gala on December 4. “And who isn’t trying to be a ‘reality star.’ Or be the newest GIF, or the newest meme. But who are really just themselves.”
“Hopefully they’re able to find that,” she added.
Ariana started on Pump Rules in a recurring role for the first two seasons, before becoming a full-time cast member in Season 3. The former SUR bartender is open to appearing on the revamped version of VPR.
Even better would be if the show decided to film in her and Katie Maloney’s new sandwich shop.
“If they want to come over and have an argument over a sandwich,” Ariana suggested, “Something About Her is like two doors down.”
Ariana’s time on the show ended when she discovered her partner of nine years was having an affair in March 2023. Though she still appeared on the show, she refused to film with her ex, Tom Sandoval. Her refusal to even be in the same room with him made production difficult.
Ariana’s career takes off following Scandoval
But Ariana’s lemons turned into Lemon Drops when she began receiving multiple offers in the entertainment industry. She booked commercials, movie roles, and was even invited to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. She was asked to compete on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, where she finished in third place. The icing on the cake was her role in Broadway’s Chicago and the hosting duties on TV’s Love Island USA.
She also wasted no time scoring a new boyfriend when she met Daniel Wai shortly after breaking up with Tom. In Daniel, Ariana has found a truly supportive partner. She’s even had a change of heart when it comes to having children, something she was reluctant to do with Tom.
“This is my first time on this planet,” Ariana said about moving through the next stage of her life. “But I have the most amazing team of people that have been with me for years and years and years, and … I trust them so much.”
And if the chance to act in a rom-com suddenly popped up? Of course, her answer was an unhesitant, “Oh absolutely.”
But how does Ariana feel about saying goodbye to the people who have played such an important role in her life the last eleven years? How does she feel about leaving Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, and James Kennedy behind?
Following the news of the show’s new direction with a whole new cast, Ariana shared a message to social media. Expressing her gratitude for her time on the show, she wrote, “Vanderpump Rules, you will forever be that girl.”
Vanderpump Rules is currently streaming on Peacock.
