5 Shocking Revelations About Monique Samuels' Return To The Real Housewives Of Potomac (RHOP) Season 10

The long-awaited return of Monique Samuels to the Bravo universe is officially happening, marking one of the most sensational comebacks in the history of The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP). After a dramatic and controversial exit at the end of Season 5, Samuels is set to rejoin the cast for Season 10, a move that has sent shockwaves through the fandom and promises to inject a fresh, yet familiar, dose of high-stakes drama into the franchise. This is not the same Monique that fans remember from 2020; she is returning with a completely new life narrative—divorced, focused on her businesses, and ready to confront her past head-on.

As of December 13, 2025, the news has been confirmed by multiple sources: Monique Samuels will appear on the upcoming season as a "friend of the show," setting the stage for explosive confrontations and unexpected alliances. Her five-year hiatus saw her transition to the OWN network with Love & Marriage: DC (LAMDC), chronicle the dissolution of her marriage to NFL star Chris Samuels, and maintain her business ventures. Now, she's back on the Potomac, and the circumstances surrounding her return—from a surprising reconciliation to a renewed feud—are far more compelling than anyone could have predicted.

Monique Samuels: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Overview

Monique Samuels, born Monique Cox, has carved out a unique career path that blends reality television stardom with entrepreneurial success. Her life narrative is one of transformation, resilience, and navigating the public eye.

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• Full Name: Monique Cox Samuels
• Date of Birth: October 19, 1983
• Place of Birth: Pleasantville, New Jersey
• Spouse: Chris Samuels (m. 2012; separated/divorced in 2023)
• Children: Three (Christopher, Milani, and Chase)
• Education: Attended Duquesne University
• Career Highlights:
• Reality TV Debut: Joined The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) in Season 2 (2017).
• RHOP Tenure: Starred as a main cast member from Season 2 through Season 5.
• Controversial Exit: Left RHOP after Season 5, following a physical altercation with castmate Candiace Dillard Bassett and a heavily discussed reunion.
• Post-Bravo Career: Starred in the OWN reality series Love & Marriage: DC (LAMDC) with her husband, Chris Samuels.
• Business Ventures: Founder of Not for Lazy Moms (a lifestyle brand and podcast) and Mila Eve Essentials (an essential oil line).
• Author: Published a children's book, Little Hands, Can’t Be Still.

Monique's time on RHOP was defined by her strong personality, her luxurious lifestyle, and the infamous "binder" she brought to the Season 5 reunion. Her departure was definitive, stating she needed to protect her peace and her family. Her return for Season 10, five years later, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of reality television and her enduring appeal to the Bravo audience.

The Shocking Season 10 Comeback: Friend of the Show, Not a Full-Time Housewife

The biggest news dominating the reality TV landscape is the confirmed return of Monique Samuels to The Real Housewives of Potomac for Season 10. This news, which broke in late 2024, has been met with both excitement and trepidation by fans who remember the intensity of her final season.

Contrary to speculation that she would immediately reclaim her diamond as a full-time cast member, Samuels is reportedly returning in a limited capacity as a "friend of the show." This role allows her to dip her toes back into the Potomac social circle without the pressure of having a full storyline, though her presence alone guarantees drama. The decision to bring her back, even in a reduced role, highlights Bravo's recognition of her significant impact on the show's ratings and cultural relevance during her original run. Her return is being framed as a "sensational" and "dramatic sea change" for the series.

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The dynamic of her return is particularly interesting because she is now in a "totally different place" in her life, having recently navigated a public divorce from Chris Samuels. This personal upheaval provides a fresh, compelling narrative that is distinct from her previous tenure, which was heavily focused on her marriage and family life. Fans are eager to see how this newly single, independent Monique interacts with the established cast, especially given the history she shares with several key members.

Divorce, Drama, and Dillard: The New Narrative for Monique

Monique Samuels’ Season 10 storyline is set to be one of the most emotionally charged in RHOP history, centering around the fallout from her divorce and the resurfacing of old feuds. Her marital woes with former NFL player Chris Samuels were first showcased on the OWN series Love & Marriage: DC, a show she will not be returning to for its second season, cementing her availability for Bravo.

The Chris Samuels Fallout and Leaked Information

A significant piece of the new drama involves her ex-husband, Chris Samuels. Monique has openly discussed the complexities of their separation and has even accused him of being "fully invested" in her RHOP return drama. More controversially, she has alleged that Chris was responsible for leaking private information about her to the public. This accusation adds a layer of intense, real-life conflict to her storyline, moving beyond typical reality TV squabbles into deeply personal territory. The inclusion of this post-divorce narrative about her family and personal life ensures that her return is not just a nostalgic cameo, but a pivotal moment in her personal journey.

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The Surprising Gizelle Bryant Reconciliation

In one of the most unexpected twists, Monique has confirmed a post-show reconciliation with her former rival, Gizelle Bryant. Their past relationship was notoriously icy, culminating in the "binder" moment at the Season 5 reunion, where Monique meticulously detailed rumors about Gizelle's then-ex-husband, Jamal Bryant. However, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Monique spoke about making amends with Gizelle. This surprising truce suggests a new dynamic for the cast, potentially shifting the central alliances and leaving a vacuum for new conflicts to emerge.

The Candiace Dillard Bassett Feud Resurfaces

While the Gizelle feud may be over, the conflict with Candiace Dillard Bassett is far from resolved. The physical altercation between the two women in Season 5 remains one of the most talked-about moments in the franchise's history, leading directly to Monique's departure. Recent comments made by Monique about Candiace have prompted Candiace to "fire back," indicating that the deeply personal animosity between them is still very much alive. The possibility of Candiace and Monique sharing the screen again—even as a friend of the show—is the most highly anticipated and potentially explosive element of Season 10, promising the high-octane drama that RHOP viewers crave.

Why This Return Is The Biggest Game-Changer For RHOP

Monique Samuels’ return is more than just a casting decision; it’s a strategic move by Bravo that addresses several key elements of the show's recent history and future trajectory. Her presence creates immediate, high-stakes storylines that the franchise has been missing since her exit.

Firstly, the return of a fan-favorite who left on such controversial terms provides a massive ratings boost and revitalizes fan engagement. Viewers are driven by curiosity: will she interact with Candiace? How genuine is the reconciliation with Gizelle? How will the other cast members, like Ashley Darby, react to her new, single status and the Chris Samuels drama?

Secondly, Monique’s new life—her divorce, her journey on LAMDC, and her independent business success with Mila Eve Essentials and Not for Lazy Moms—offers a fresh, complex narrative. She is no longer just "Chris Samuels' wife," but a woman navigating a new chapter of motherhood and entrepreneurship while dealing with public scrutiny. This vulnerability and strength resonate deeply with the core audience of the Real Housewives franchise.

Finally, her return as a "friend" allows the production to test the waters without committing to a full-time role, a smart move given the intense history with Candiace Dillard Bassett. However, the sheer volume of her personal drama and the established, unresolved tension with the cast suggest that her time as a "friend of" may quickly transition back into a full-time position if the Season 10 drama delivers on its immense promise. The stage is set for a monumental season, proving that in Potomac, no bridge is truly burned forever.