Nneka Ihim bids farewell to “The Real Housewives of Potomac” after just one season, citing her desire to focus on expanding her family with her husband Dr. Ikenna Ihim as the primary reason for her departure. In a statement to People on Monday, May 13, the 36-year-old, who hails from Potomac, expressed her gratitude to Bravo for the opportunity while also hinting at future endeavors.
“While I won’t be returning for season 9 of RHOP, as a proud resident of Potomac proper, 20854, rest assured that I’ll be back in some capacity soon,” Nneka shared. Her decision to step away from the reality show comes amidst her personal journey towards expanding her family, a journey marked by multiple fertility procedures.
“After experiencing several unsuccessful fertility treatments, I’ve made the decision to prioritize growing my family above all else,” Nneka explained, shedding light on the challenges she and her husband have faced on their path to parenthood. She expressed heartfelt gratitude towards fans who supported her during the past season, particularly through the emotional ups and downs of her infertility struggles.
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Throughout season 8 of RHOP, Nneka’s dynamic with fellow Nigerian Housewife Dr. Wendy Osefo was notable for its tension. However, upon announcing her departure, Nneka emphasized the meaningful connections she forged with the other women on the show. Despite any on-screen conflicts, she expressed appreciation for the friendships that blossomed behind the scenes.
Beyond the confines of reality TV, Nneka recently joined some of her RHOP co-stars for a friendly dinner, sharing a heartwarming moment with Robyn Dixon in particular. Nneka’s departure from the show comes amidst a period of change for the RHOP cast, as season 9 gears up for production.
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In March, Candiace Dillard Bassett announced her temporary departure from the show after six seasons, citing it as a hiatus rather than a permanent exit. This news was soon followed by her announcement of expecting her first child with husband Chris Bassett. Similarly, Robyn Dixon confirmed in April that she would not be returning for season 9, revealing that the network had not extended an invitation for her to come back.
The announcement of Dixon’s departure sparked disappointment among fans, with actress Christina Applegate expressing her surprise and dismay over the news to Andy Cohen. Applegate’s reaction echoed the sentiment of many RHOP viewers who had grown attached to Dixon’s presence on the show over the past eight seasons.
As the RHOP cast undergoes changes and new seasons loom on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for the beloved franchise. In the meantime, “The Real Housewives of Potomac” continues to captivate audiences with its drama and glamour, streaming now on Peacock while awaiting news of its upcoming season 9 premiere date.
