Could Kelly Bensimon Return To 'RHONY' After Bethenny Frankel's Exit? She Speaks Out

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Could Kelly Bensimon be open to making a comeback to The Real Housewives of New York City following the exit of her longtime nemesis, Bethenny Frankel, who quit her full-time role on the Bravo reality series last August after wrapping production on season 11?

During a recent interview with Hollywood Life, the model-turned-reality star-turned realtor was asked if she would ever consider returning to the series now that Frankel has left the show.

“Never say never,” Bensimon teased during the interview last week.

Gettyimages | Sean Zanni

Nearly a decade after she left her full-time role on The Real Housewives of New York City, Bensimon revealed to Hollywood life that she's been "having some fun" in recent months and began filming "a little bit" for Million Dollar Listing: New York.

"It’s so much fun. I’m having a great time with that," Benimson said of her new role on the long-running series. "It’s more business-minded. I can have a really good time and then we conduct business and I’m loving that.”

Gettyimages | Dia Dipasupil

Speaking of her past drama with her co-stars, including Frankel, Bensimon said she went through a number of ups and downs on the show.

“It was a hard time when I was on it for a couple of years, and then I had a great time. I had so many mixed emotions. It was like a bad relationship," she explained.

Then, when asked if Frankel's exit would make it easier for her to return, Bensimon said, “Yeah. A lot easier."

"I had a great time when I was just with the girls. I had a great time,” she added.

Gettyimages | Bravo

While announcing her exit from The Real Housewives of New York City to Variety, Frankel teased her future projects, noting that she was planning to develop new shows with famed producer Mark Burnett.

“I have decided to leave the ‘Housewives’ franchise to explore my next chapter,” she said. “It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women."

Gettyimages | Erik Voake

After Frankel walked away from an astronomical paycheck in August of last year, Bravo producers enlisted Leah McSweeney to join the show and fill her shoes. A short time later, McSweeney was spotted filming scenes for season 12 at a hotel with Tinsley Mortimer. She then was spotted on a number of occasions with longtime cast member Luann De Lesseps, who seems to be a good friend.

The Real Housewives of New York City season 12 will premiere on April 2 at 9 p.m. on Bravo.