Tom Sandoval Reveals How the VPR Shakeup Affected His and Victoria's Relationship

Although he’s admittedly disappointed by the Vanderpump Rules shakeup, Tom Sandoval has managed to find a silver lining.

The former SUR bartender shared his thoughts in a recent interview with People magazine, just several months after it was announced that Vanderpump Rules Season 12 would feature a new cast of SUR-vers. Tom confessed the decision made him "sad,” but having a break from reality TV has allowed him to focus on his relationship with Victoria Lee Robinson.

“It’s been so nice, actually, to have this time with Victoria,” he said about his model girlfriend. “I’ve been able to experience my relationship without cameras dissecting every little thing... I’ve enjoyed the privacy of it. And I think it’s helped our relationship a lot. It’s just been a refreshing situation to be in.”

Vanderpump Rules Season 12 to feature a new cast

The Vanderpump Rules Season 12 shakeup was confirmed in November 2024: “Under Lisa Vanderpump’s watchful eye, the West Hollywood mainstay SUR — and now TomTom — welcomes the next batch of servers, hosts and bartenders rife with plenty of drama, situationships and frenemies.”

Lisa, who serves as the show’s executive producer, reflected on the change in the announcement, saying she was so thankful to Tom and his ex-castmates for opening their lives to the world. 

“The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between,” Lisa said. “I can’t thank enough those who have shared their lives. How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules.”

Tom Sandoval offers advice to the new group of SUR-vers

While Bravo has yet to announce the Season 12 cast, Tom has already offered the newbies several pieces of advice. 

“You have to be open. Don’t try to force anything,” said Tom, who appeared in Vanderpump Rules season 1-11. “Don’t come in there with this persona. Just be yourself and really just concentrate on the dynamics of your real friendships, your real connections.”

The Traitors Season 3 contestant said Vanderpump Rules was “so successful” because it followed the ups and downs of “a real group of friends.” He questioned if that magic and organic chemistry could ever be recaptured.

“We were trying to make it big as models or actors or musicians; working at SUR was just the job we did to fund our dreams,” he said. “None of us thought, ‘Oh, I’ll do this show’ as endgame. And because of that, the cameras were able to capture something fully real, which was the bonds we had all built together… And if [the new cast is] going to be successful, they need to take the fame part out of the equation and focus on the people. That’s what matters. The rest will all come.”

Would Tom Sandoval and Victoria Lee Robinson ever join The Valley?

Although his Vanderpump Rules chapter is officially closed, Tom said he could see himself returning to reality TV. He was specifically asked about the Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley, which features his former castmates Kristen Doute, Brittany Cartwright, and Jax Taylor.

“Who knows what the future holds,” he said about possibly joining The Valley cast. “I’m obviously open to it, and I will deal with that situation as it comes up. Whatever happens, happens.”

He made similar comments in a recent interview with The Daily Dish, saying his girlfriend, Victoria, was also interested in entering the reality TV world.

“Obviously, Victoria and I have been together for over a year now. Loving this time together, and all the things that we’ve done and all the things that we have coming up,” he said. “I’m excited. I’m excited to do other things and what’s to come. I would love to do more of these types of shows [like The traitors]. I have my music. I’m starting my podcast back up… I know Victoria is open to maybe doing something in the reality realm.”