Real Housewives of BH just cast huge Hollywood star

From Digital Spy

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is looking to a huge star from neighbouring Hollywood to beef up ratings for its up ninth season.

The US reality show has signed up actual movie star and former Bond girl Denise Richards to be a full-time cast member alongside mainstays Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards, according to People.

Richards told the news outlet that she's "so excited" to be joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, mainly because she's a "huge fan" of the series.

The 47-year-old star of Wild Things, Starship Troopers and Love Actually was welcomed to the series by Real Housewives executive producer and Bravo's Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen.

"Very excited to welcome @DENISE_RICHARDS to #RHOBH - this is gonna be GREAT," he wrote, with Richards replying: "Thank you!! Thrilled to be part of this wild journey"

People noted that Richards will be joining the full returning cast from last season, which includes the aforementioned OGs Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Lisa Rinna, Dorit Kemsley and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave.

Unlike most of the other Real Housewives franchises, Beverly Hills cast members have the most ties to mainstream fame away from the reality series.

Kyle Richards is the aunt of Paris Hilton, while Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave is the daughter of rock legend John Mellencamp. Dorit Kemsley's husband PK manages pop superstar Boy George.

Of course, Erika Jayne is a pop star in her own right and, like Denise Richards, Lisa Rinna is a veteran actress with memorable roles in Melrose Place, Days of Our Lives and Veronica Mars on her CV.

Richards's personal life will definitely be fodder for the other Real Housewives' gossip, likely including her infamous marriage and subsequent divorce from Charlie Sheen.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will return on Bravo later this year, and airs on ITVBe and Hayu in the UK.

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