There’s been no shortage of Vanderpump Rules drama in 2020. Not only were fans totally surprised when Jax Taylor, 41, and Brittany Cartwright, 31, made the “difficult” announcement via Instagram that they were leaving the show, but their Bravo castmates were also totally blindsided. A source close to production told HollywoodLife exclusively that nobody knew about their exit prior to Jax’s shock social media announcement. “The cast of Vanderpump Rules found out about Jax and Brittany not returning when the couple made their announcement on Instagram,” the insider explained.
“This was Jax’s news to share and he chose to share it publicly very quickly — likely because this way everyone would know at the same time — and hear it straight from him,” the source said, adding that “amid the pandemic and the restrictions in LA on restaurants, the other cast members are still waiting to see the future and the direction of the show.” The insider also dished to HL that several cast members wished they had received a heads up in advance.
“[Tom] Schwartz especially was really upset that he wasn’t told ahead of time. He felt like Jax is more than just a cast member to him and was really upset that he didn’t call or text him. Several cast members felt it was calculated and wanted the courtesy to be prepared. They really had no idea it was happening and wanted a heads up. They all felt so blindsided.”
The longtime Bravo star revealed the news in a lengthy IG post on December 4. Jax has starred on the show for eight seasons, while Brittany has been on the show for five years, and it seems nobody saw it coming. “The last 8 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling years of my life,” Jax began. “Although this is difficult to share, Brittany and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules.” HL previously reported that Jasmine Goode, 33, is one of the “new people” being looked at to join the cast in the wake of Jax’s announcement, and the firings of Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni.
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