Bravo has made a big announcement that is sure to excite fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Porsha Williams Guobadia, a beloved cast member who departed the show in 2021, is returning for the upcoming sixteenth season. Along with her return, Williams Guobadia has also signed an overall scripted talent deal with NBCUniversal, opening up opportunities for her to work on various scripted projects across the company's broadcast and streaming platforms.
Expressing her gratitude, Williams Guobadia stated, 'I'm incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family.' She also expressed her excitement about returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta and showcasing her new life to the world.
The news of Williams Guobadia's return was well-received by Rachel Smith, the Executive Vice President of Unscripted Content, Lifestyle, and Documentaries at NBCUniversal Entertainment. Smith praised Williams Guobadia's talents, remarking, 'Porsha Williams Guobadia is a multi-hyphenate, and we are fortunate to collaborate and tap into her creativity and passion through this partnership.'
Williams Guobadia's departure from RHOA had left fans speculating about her reasons for leaving the show. The rumors intensified when news broke that she was engaged to Simon Guobadia, who was introduced to viewers as a 'friend' of Williams Guobadia's through his then-wife, Falynn Pina, a recurring guest on the show. However, it was later revealed that Guobadia and Pina had already separated when Williams Guobadia and Guobadia started dating.
Throughout her time on the show, RHOA cameras have captured Williams Guobadia navigating various personal challenges. From dealing with the unexpected divorce from her former husband, Kordell Stewart, to the dissolution of her engagement with Dennis McKinley after his infidelity, Williams Guobadia's life has been filled with ups and downs. The birth of their daughter, Pilar Jhena McKinley, also led to a battle with postpartum depression.
When Williams Guobadia announced her departure from RHOA, many questioned if it was related to the challenges she faced. However, she clarified that her decision to leave had been made months before meeting her now-husband and had nothing to do with the difficulties she had encountered while on the show.
Explaining her reasoning, Williams Guobadia shared, 'I had already decided that it was time for me to step away at least six months before I told any of the executives what I was going to do — and long before I even met my now-husband.' She further stated that reaching the age of 40 and completing a decade on the show prompted her to reassess her life and make the decision to leave.
With her return, fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta can expect to see Williams Guobadia back in action and witness the next chapter of her life unfold. While the show captures the challenges and triumphs that come with being a reality television star, it also serves as a platform for Williams Guobadia to share her authentic, hilarious, and vulnerable self with her dedicated audience.
If you're a fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta or simply enjoy compelling reality television, be sure to catch the upcoming season and witness Porsha Williams Guobadia's journey on Peacock, where the show can be streamed in its entirety. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news and inspiring human interest stories by signing up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter.
