That's a wrap on the Vanderpump Rules we used to know, and the series new arch villain Tom Sandoval along with it.
Last week, Bravo announced that the hit reality series and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spinoff will do a complete cast swap-out, a la Real Housewives of New York, following the earth-shaking drama of season 11. Tom Sandoval, the hunky SUR bartender who'd been a series regular since season 1, was at the epicenter of the drama, and has finally addressed the show moving forward without him, or any of his former castmates.
"Where do I begin… I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now," he wrote on a Nov. 30 Instagram post. "The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day. From a random meeting with [Jax Taylor] while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules."
Sandoval continued, "We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships. As soon as we started filming s--- got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way."
The reality star thanked the network; Lisa Vanderpump, the former RHOBH cast member around whose West Hollywood restaurant the spinoff revolves; and the crew "who busted their asses with us in the trenches." Most of all, Sandoval expressed thanks "to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey.... Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories."