Phaedra Parks’ Potential RHOA Return: Drew Sidora Advocates Amidst Kandi Burruss’ Firm Stance
The world of Bravo reality television is buzzing with excitement as fan-favorite Phaedra Parks makes a grand return to the network, not just on one, but two highly anticipated shows. Viewers will soon see her captivating presence in Season 2 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls’ Trip and the network’s newest sensation, RHODubai. While these appearances mark a significant comeback for the “southern belle,” one current cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Drew Sidora, is passionately campaigning for Phaedra’s triumphant return to the Atlanta franchise as well, igniting a fresh wave of speculation and drama.
Phaedra Parks’ departure from The Real Housewives of Atlanta at the close of Season 9 was one of the most talked-about exits in the show’s history. Her exit followed a devastating betrayal of her long-time friend, Kandi Burruss, a situation that left a lasting impact on both women and the entire cast. Despite the contentious nature of her departure, the indelible mark Phaedra left on the series, characterized by her wit, charm, and flair for the dramatic, has kept her a topic of fervent discussion among fans and former co-stars alike. Now, years later, the prospect of her rejoining the Atlanta peaches is being actively championed by Drew Sidora, who joined the show at the start of Season 14 and believes Phaedra’s presence would be a major asset.
During a revealing appearance on Pay Attention Puh-Lease!, HollywoodLife‘s dedicated Real Housewives podcast, Drew Sidora openly shared her enthusiasm with hosts Chris Rogers and Eric Todisco. She expressed a profound desire to see the charismatic attorney and funeral home owner rejoin her former colleagues on the popular Bravo hit. “I would love [to have] the southern belle [back on the show], honey!” Drew exclaimed with palpable excitement when quizzed about her feelings regarding a potential return from Phaedra, especially in light of Phaedra’s unexpected yet thrilling cameo in the RHODubaitrailer, which offered a glimpse of her global return to the Bravo universe. Drew’s advocacy stems from a personal connection and admiration for Phaedra. “Phaedra has been really supportive of me. I was getting an award in Atlanta, and she showed up — I wasn’t there, I was working on a film at the time — but my husband accepted the award, and she told him, ‘I’m coming to bring Drew her flowers.’” This anecdote highlights a bond and respect that transcends the typical reality TV dynamics. Drew continued, emphasizing Phaedra’s genuine demeanor: “I live for Phaedra on the show, but in life as well. That southern hospitality, I think she really exudes it. I am here for Phaedra returning.”
Phaedra Parks’ initial run on The Real Housewives of Atlanta was legendary, spanning from Season 3 to Season 9. She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her distinctive southern charm, quick comebacks, and her journey navigating marriage, motherhood, and career. Her legal background often provided a unique, albeit sometimes cunning, perspective on conflicts within the group. However, her tenure ended abruptly amidst serious allegations made against Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, which were revealed to have originated from Phaedra. This incident, often referred to as “RHOA-gate,” involved claims of illicit activities, and its fallout was immense, leading to a complete breakdown of trust and friendship between Phaedra and Kandi. The emotional weight of this betrayal has lingered for years, becoming a benchmark for severe disagreements within the franchise. Her return, therefore, would not merely be a casting decision; it would be a narrative earthquake, forcing old wounds to reopen and potentially creating entirely new rifts.
The biggest hurdle, and arguably the most dramatic, to Phaedra’s full-time return on RHOA is the unwavering stance of Kandi Burruss. Kandi has been unequivocally clear on multiple occasions: if Phaedra were to ever return to the Atlanta franchise, she would leave. This ultimatum presents a significant dilemma for Bravo, as Kandi is a long-standing cast member, a successful entrepreneur, and a central figure in the show’s narrative fabric. Her departure would undoubtedly leave a void, impacting the show’s chemistry and viewership. The depth of Kandi’s hurt from the past betrayal is evident in her steadfast position, making any potential reconciliation seem incredibly daunting. The allegations Phaedra spread were deeply personal and damaging, crossing a line that, for Kandi, appears to be unforgivable in the context of their friendship and the show.
Despite the gravity of Kandi’s position, Drew Sidora remains optimistic and believes in the power of forgiveness and moving forward. She sees parallels in her own experiences within the cast. “I told Kandi, ‘Listen, you need to try forgiveness. Ya’ll need to move past it’,” Drew stated, offering a solution to the long-standing feud. She bolstered her argument by drawing a comparison to her own tumultuous relationship with fellow cast member Kenya Moore. “And I think if Kenya [Moore] and I can get over [our own drama], I feel like [anyone can],” she added. Drew and Kenya’s relationship on RHOA has been fraught with tension, arguments, and misunderstandings since Drew joined the show. Their feuds often provided significant dramatic arcs for their respective seasons, but they have also demonstrated moments of truce and an effort towards civility, even if true friendship remains elusive. Drew’s point suggests that if two strong personalities like herself and Kenya can find a way to coexist, or even reconcile after intense conflict, then there might be a path for Kandi and Phaedra to do the same, particularly for the sake of the show’s dynamic.
Phaedra’s recent appearances on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls’ Trip and RHODubai are not just exciting for fans but also strategically important. Her inclusion in these spin-offs indicates that Bravo is willing to re-engage with her, signaling a potential softening of their stance since her dramatic exit from RHOA. RHUGT, in particular, serves as a testing ground for former and current Housewives from various franchises, allowing them to interact outside their usual ecosystem. Phaedra’s performance and reception on these shows could very well influence her prospects for a full-time return to Atlanta. Her characteristic charm, humor, and ability to stir the pot, without necessarily repeating past mistakes, could prove she’s ready to bring her unique flavor back to the show where she first became a household name. A refreshed Phaedra, having had time away from the intense scrutiny of RHOA, might bring a new, matured perspective, while still delivering the drama and wit that made her a fan-favorite.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by HollywoodLife (@hollywoodlife)
The discussion surrounding Phaedra’s potential return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta highlights a deeper question about loyalty, forgiveness, and the evolution of relationships within reality television. While Drew Sidora’s voice is strong and clear in her advocacy, the ultimate decision rests with Bravo, who must weigh the potential for revitalized drama and fan engagement against the risk of alienating a core cast member like Kandi Burruss. The fanbase itself remains divided, with many missing Phaedra’s iconic presence and unique contributions, while others stand firm with Kandi, believing that some betrayals are too profound to overlook. Regardless, the renewed buzz surrounding Phaedra, catalyzed by her appearances on RHUGT and RHODubai, proves that her impact on the Housewives universe is far from over. Her return to Atlanta would undoubtedly usher in one of the most anticipated and talked-about seasons in the show’s history, forcing a confrontation with a past that many thought was buried for good.
“I would love to see Phaedra [back on the show],” Drew reiterated, underscoring her commitment to the idea, before delving into other topics such as whether she’d ever join Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip herself and offering insights into what viewers can expect from the remainder of Season 14 ofRHOA. To hear all of Drew Sidora’s fascinating revelations and more in-depth discussion, make sure to listen to the full podcast interview, conveniently embedded above. You can also find it on your preferred podcast platforms, including iTunes and Spotify!
For those eager to keep up with Drew Sidora and the rest of the Atlanta ladies, new episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta air every Sunday evening at 8 PM ET/PT on Bravo.