Speculation is swirling about a potential crossover between two major reality TV franchises after a former contestant from “The Bachelor” was seen filming in Rhode Island.
Reality TV Worlds Collide
Earlier this week, a TikTok user shared footage of Ashley Iaconetti on set with a production crew and children in tow. She was joined by Jo-Ellen Tiberi, one of the women rumored to be part of the cast of Bravo’s upcoming series, “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
The short clip quickly gained traction, with fans flooding the comment section with excitement and predictions. “When you think of Bachelor Nation and messy you think of Ashley I. You’re in good hands,” one commenter wrote. Another fan chimed in, “I will start watching just for her. Do not worry Ashley knows messy, she is the best!!”
Who is Ashley Iaconetti?
For longtime fans of Bachelor Nation, Ashley Iaconetti is a familiar face. The 37-year-old has appeared on multiple seasons across the “Bachelor” franchise, including “The Bachelor,” “Bachelor in Paradise,” and “Bachelor Winter Games.” She married fellow Bachelor alum Jared Haibon in 2019, and the couple now lives in Rhode Island with their two children.
It remains unclear whether Iaconetti is joining the cast in a full-time role or simply as a “friend of,” but her appearance has already generated major buzz. Known for her humor, transparency, and reality TV flair, Iaconetti has long held fan-favorite status within the franchise.
Bravo’s Rhode Island Franchise Takes Shape
Back in May, Bravo officially announced that Rhode Island would be the next setting for its long-running “Real Housewives” franchise.
The network teased the upcoming show with this description: “Set against the shores of the Ocean State, the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise expands into the world of a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations. With aspirational lives, thriving businesses, and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there’s no escaping your past…or each other.”
While Bravo has yet to confirm the official cast of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” several names have circulated online, including Jo-Ellen Tiberi, Brianna LaTorre, Elizabeth McGraw, Monique Pass, Rosie Woods, Alicia Carmody, Stephanie Costa, and Kelsey Swanson. Andy Cohen, executive producer of the franchise, has already called the rumored cast “incredible.”
The buzz surrounding the Rhode Island spinoff comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the future of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” Recent clips featuring New Jersey cast member Dolores Catania sparked speculation on social media, with some fans wondering if she might be joining the new series due to the region’s strong Italian-American community.
“You know, I don’t think a lot of people realize what a very Italian community Rhode Island is,” Cohen noted.
However, the Bravo veteran was quick to shut down the rumors. “I think that’s been a little overstated. It’s really about who’s in Rhode Island,” he told People in a recent interview.
