Ramona Singer Reveals All: RHONY Season 12 Promises Explosive Drama, New Dynamics, and Unprecedented Vulnerability

Buckle up, reality TV enthusiasts! The incomparable Ramona Singer, an undisputed icon of the Big Apple’s most dramatic ensemble, has delivered an exclusive sneak peek into what awaits viewers in the highly anticipated 12th season of ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ (RHONY). According to the OG herself, this season is brimming with an abundance of “delicious drama” that will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As RHONY returned to Bravo screens, promises of fresh conflicts, unexpected alliances, and deeply personal revelations were made, setting the stage for what many are calling one of the most memorable seasons yet.

As the mother-of-one and a formidable force within the franchise, Ramona, 63, is back to lead viewers through another whirlwind of glamorous parties, spontaneous hilarity, and the signature chaos that has defined the series for over a decade. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Singer unveiled some tantalizing details about the evolving landscape of the show, offering a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster fans can expect. “I want to call it unique and fun, yeah. It’s unique and fun,” she revealed, highlighting a shift in the group’s dynamic. This season, she explained, delves deeper than ever before into the personal lives of the women, promising an authentic portrayal of their struggles and triumphs. “We really peel back the onion to show more of our vulnerability and what’s going on in our life,” Ramona emphasized, suggesting a profound level of openness rarely seen from the usually guarded housewives.

Ramona candidly reflected on her own experience filming the season, particularly an early episode that left her surprised by her own emotional display. “Which I was very shocked to see what I did my first episode. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m crying. Oh my God, I can’t believe I did that on national, international TV. What was I thinking?’” This moment of raw emotion, however, wasn’t an anomaly but a genuine reflection of her feelings. “But it was real. It’s what I was feeling at that moment,” she affirmed, reassuring fans that every tear and every outburst came from an authentic place. This vulnerability, she suggested, becomes a pivotal point for her throughout the season. “You’re going to see how I evolve from that moment and how I ended up, what my evolution was,” she teased, hinting at significant personal growth and transformation that will unfold over the course of the episodes, making this season not just dramatic, but also deeply personal for its longest-standing cast member.

A significant change this season, and one that has been widely discussed among fans, is the departure of fellow original cast member, Bethenny Frankel, 49. After being a cornerstone of the show for its initial three seasons and then returning for seasons seven through eleven, Frankel’s absence undoubtedly leaves a substantial void in the cast dynamic. Her sharp wit, business acumen, and often confrontational style were integral to many of RHONY’s most iconic moments. While Bethenny’s influence will certainly be missed, her departure also creates an opportunity for other cast members to step up and for new narratives to emerge. The show has a history of adapting to cast changes, and this season is no exception, with the remaining OGs and newer additions navigating the waters without one of their most outspoken personalities. This shift allows for different friendships and conflicts to take center stage, potentially redefining the group’s hierarchy and interaction patterns.

Stepping into this evolving landscape is the new cast member for Season 12, Leah McSweeney, 37. Viewers got their first taste of Leah’s fiery personality in the explosive trailer, which showcased her unapologetically trash-talking many of the other women. Her audacious entrance immediately sparked curiosity and concern among the existing cast members and the fanbase alike. Leah’s unfiltered nature and willingness to challenge the established group dynamics suggest she is not one to shy away from confrontation. So, how does Ramona, a veteran of countless RHONY skirmishes, truly feel about Leah, especially after other cast members quickly branded her a ‘hot mess’? Ramona’s take offers an intriguing perspective on the newest addition to the group.

Ramona playfully acknowledged the “hot mess” label, but with her own twist. “Well, if anything she’s the hottest mess because she wants to party and you’ll see on the show what a hot mess she can be,” Singer chuckled, hinting at Leah’s vivacious and perhaps wild side, which will be a significant plot point. While acknowledging Leah’s propensity for high-energy antics, Ramona was quick to differentiate her own behavior and that of the more established cast members. “I don’t think we’re a hot mess at all,” she asserted, drawing a clear line between Leah’s youthful exuberance and the more refined, albeit still dramatic, demeanor of the long-standing housewives. However, Ramona also expressed a certain understanding and acceptance of Leah’s unique approach: “But you know what, she has her own opinions.” This statement suggests a recognition of Leah’s independence and willingness to forge her own path, even if it means clashing with the group. This new dynamic promises a fresh layer of conflict and entertainment, as Leah’s strong opinions and uninhibited lifestyle are sure to shake things up.

Delving deeper into her complex feelings about Leah, Ramona articulated a fascinating metaphor for their relationship. “As far as her, I consider her like a wild horse. She’s an untamed wild horse,” Ramona shared, painting a vivid picture of Leah’s spirited and unrestrained nature. This comparison highlights Leah’s fierce independence and her resistance to conformity, which, while exciting for viewers, presented a unique challenge for the more experienced cast members. In an unexpected turn, Ramona reveals she took on a significant role in Leah’s life during the season. “So I took on the role as her surrogate mother to try to chain her,” she explained, revealing her attempt to guide and perhaps temper Leah’s wilder impulses. This maternal instinct, a side of Ramona not always seen with other cast members, prompted her to apply different standards to Leah.

“So I hold her to different standards than I would normally to any of them because I took more of this mother role, but she asked me to be her surrogate mother,” Ramona clarified. This revelation suggests a deeper, more personal connection between the two women than typically forms among the housewives. The “surrogate mother” dynamic implies a level of trust and responsibility, with Ramona feeling obligated to offer guidance and wisdom. This relationship, however, was not without its challenges. Ramona confessed her initial stance: “So I was like, ‘Fine, then you’re going to have to reel in girl. Let me tell you what you need to do.’” This firm but caring approach underscores Ramona’s desire to help Leah navigate the often-treacherous waters of reality television and the demanding social circles of New York City. The push and pull between Leah’s independent spirit and Ramona’s maternal guidance is set to be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

Ramona continued to elaborate on the intricacies of this unprecedented relationship, stating, “So you’ll see what happens and transpires because of this relationship. But I never had a relationship like this with someone, you know?” This statement alone promises a departure from the typical friend-foe dynamics often seen on the show. Throughout her decade-long tenure on RHONY, Ramona has engaged in a myriad of relationships – from fierce rivalries with Countess Luann de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel to complex friendships with Sonja Morgan and Dorinda Medley. She has navigated countless feuds, make-ups, and dramatic confrontations with the 16 other women who have graced the cast over the years. Yet, this “surrogate mother” role with Leah McSweeney represents an entirely new chapter for the veteran housewife, adding a fresh layer of emotional investment and responsibility to her narrative. The evolution of this unique bond, and the inevitable conflicts and resolutions it will bring, is poised to be one of the most captivating elements of Season 12.

The introduction of Leah, coupled with Bethenny’s departure, signifies a significant shift in the group’s equilibrium. Historically, RHONY has thrived on the strong personalities and interwoven histories of its cast. This season, however, challenges those established norms by bringing in a fresh perspective through Leah, while simultaneously forcing the existing cast to adapt to a new power dynamic. The themes of vulnerability and personal evolution that Ramona touched upon suggest that this season might not just be about external drama, but also about the internal journeys of the women. Viewers can anticipate not only the usual extravagant parties and luxurious trips but also deeper explorations of friendship, conflict resolution (or the dramatic lack thereof), and the ongoing quest for self-discovery in the public eye. The unique blend of seasoned veterans and a bold new face ensures that Season 12 of ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ will be an unforgettable ride, packed with the emotional intensity and signature entertainment that fans have come to love and expect.

In summary, Ramona Singer’s insights confirm that RHONY Season 12 is far from a typical installment. With its blend of “unique and fun” moments, profound vulnerability from its stars, and the introduction of a captivating new personality in Leah McSweeney, this season is set to be an unmissable spectacle. Ramona’s surprising maternal role and the evolving dynamics among the cast promise a fresh perspective on the long-running series. Fans can expect an authentic portrayal of the housewives’ lives, filled with genuine emotions, unforeseen conflicts, and significant personal growth. Tune in to Bravo to witness the explosive drama and emotional depth unfold as the Real Housewives of New York City navigate their most exciting, and perhaps most challenging, season yet.