The Real Housewives franchise takes place in 10 bustling cities across the United States, but in May, Bravo revealed plans for a new installment set in Rhode Island, also more affectionately known as the Ocean State.

While details remain scarce, including the official cast, fans are already buzzing with speculation. Some have thrown out celebrity names like Olivia Culpo, while others are hoping for a return of familiar reality TV faces from past Housewives seasons. Adding fuel to the excitement, a recent TikToker captured footage of what appeared to be filming for the RHORI in a local park, and even spotted a familiar face from The Bachelor franchise.

Is Bachelor Nation’s Ashley Iaconetti Joining The Real Housewives Of Rhode Island?

Ever since Bravo confirmed that a Real Housewives franchise set in Rhode Island was in the works, fans have been busy speculating which women might take center stage. While the network has yet to drop any official casting hints, devoted Housewives enthusiasts have already pinpointed a few Ocean State locals they believe could bring the drama.

In a recent TikTok posted by user @Mikeyybabyy7, he appeared to capture footage of filming for the upcoming spinoff. But what really caught his attention? A familiar face from Bachelor Nation, someone fans agree would make the perfect Housewife.

That familiar face turned out to be none other than former Bachelor contestant Ashley Iaconetti. In the short video, Ashley was seen walking through a Rhode Island park alongside rumored RHORI cast member Jo-Ellen Tiberi and their children, with a full camera crew in tow.

However, not everyone was thrilled by the sighting as the TikTok user who posted the clip admitted he wasn’t exactly a fan of Ashley potentially joining the cast, expressing his preference of fresh faces over already famous names taking up space on the reality TV stage.

“I think they are too worried about their image and won’t be too messy,” the user pointed out. But, many comments under the video approved of seeing Ashley as a Housewife.

• “She was made for this and she is terrible at maintaining composure,” a user wrote.
• “Ashley had never cared about her image (and we love that about her!)” Another said
• “I will start watching just for her. Don’t worry Ashley knows messy, she is the best!!!” A comment read.

Ashley Iaconetti Starred In Multiple Bachelor Shows

Ashley Iaconetti rose to fame as one of Bachelor Nation’s most memorable personalities, thanks to her multiple appearances across the franchise. She made her debut on Chris Soules Season 19 of The Bachelor in 2015, where she quickly stood out for her emotional honesty, which also caused some friction between the other contestants. One of her most unforgettable moments came during a two-on-one date with fellow contestant Kelsey Poe, an outing that ended with Chris deciding to send not only Ashley but Kelsey home as well.

Ashley later appeared on Bachelor in Paradise Season 2 and formed an instant connection with Jared Haibon. However, by the end of the show, they came out of it as friends. Both Ashley and Jared were welcomed back to the beach for BiP Season 3, and it was clear that Ashley had very strong romantic feelings for Jared. Again, he chose to remain friends with her, with Jared dating Caila Quinn, but it didn’t last long.

But, in a surprise twist no one saw coming, Ashley and Jared announced that they were dating in 2018, with the couple sharing details of how they came to be in a video uploaded on YouTube titled, “The Story of Us.” In it, Jared shared how he realized that he had fallen in love with Ashley and that his feelings for her were a “slow burn.”

In August 2019, the couple got married, and have since welcomed two children. They live in Rhode Island and own a coffee shop called Audrey’s. Ashley is also the host of The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast alongside The Bachelor alum Ben Higgins. Ashley and Jared also made an appearance on BiP Season 8, offering advice to the contestants.

RHONJ’s Dolores Catania Teased Fans That She May Star In The New Real Housewives Installment

Rumors have been swirling that Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania may be making the jump to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. Following the end of RHONJ Season 14 — with no reunion and Bravo confirming a major shake-up — many believe the franchise is headed for a RHONY-style reboot. (Hopefully, a better one).

That shift could open the door for Dolores to join the new cast of RHORI, especially since she’s openly shared that she knows several of the women.

When the outlet asked Dolores if she might make an appearance in the new spinoff, she teased, “Stay tuned.” Although she didn’t give a real answer, Dolores did admit that she missed filming.

“I miss everything about filming. I miss the good times and the bad times. It’s a relationship I’ve been doing for over eight years now and you miss the people that you saw so often. It’s like a bad breakup,” she told E! News.

Rumored women that could possibly star on RHORI include:

• Brianna LaTorre – founder of The Lip Bunny Beauty, a Medical Spa
• Elizabeth McGraw – wife of Gerry McGraw, who is the President and CEO of one of Rhode Island’s largest cannabis companies
• Monique Pass – wife of retired NFL player Patrick Pass
• Rosie Woods – Lifestyle TV Host
• Alicia Carmody – Hairstylist
• Stephanie Costa – Nurse practitioner
• Kelsey Swanson – Miss Rhode Island USA 2017

Andy Cohen also gave the impression that the cast of RHORI will make for great television. When speaking with Page Six, he shared that “the cast is incredible,” adding that they are “more Italian,” (RHONJ, watch out), and described the group as having “deep families.”

“Rhode Island is such a small state, and they all kind of know each other and overlap, and it’s an incredible group of women who have really interesting connections. I think it’s going to really surprise people,” he added.