Will Ariana Madix Watch the New Vanderpump Rules ? She Says

   

Ariana Madix is totally pumped for the next chapter in life after leaving Vanderpump Rules—and she's not looking back.

"What has always made Vanderpump Rules so successful and something that resonates with so many people is how real and authentic all of it has always been," the former Bravolebrity exclusively told E! NewsWill Marfuggi. "For me, I do think that that story maybe had been told and it was time for me to do other things in life. It's definitely a mixed bag of reactions to people finding that out." (Watch E! News tonight, Feb. 24, at 11 p.m. for more of our exclusive sit-down with Ariana.)

But now that the reality show is being completely re-cast for its upcoming 12th season, will Madix be tuning in to see the drama brewing among the new group of SUR-vers when it finally returns?

"I definitely understand there's some sadness to saying goodbye to the cast and everything, but I'm curious how the new cast is going to be," the 38-year-old admitted. "Shows like Vanderpump and Housewives and things like that give me a lot of anxiety to watch. So, I'll definitely be tuning in at first. But if it makes me too anxious, I'll probably change the channel."

Plus, the Love Island USA host is plenty busy with new career opportunities, including a guest starring role on the new season of ABC's Will Trent. Funny enough, Ariana's decade on VPR was exactly the practice she needed to transition into acting on broadcast TV.

Ariana Madix

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

"Being on camera and shooting so often, you do learn a lot about the nuts and bolts of what it is to create television," she explained to E!. "Yes, you're doing it a different way, unscripted. You're being yourself, it's your real life. But you're learning a lot about what to do and what not to do, just to be able to make something work on a television screen."

And the Will Trent cast and crew couldn't have been more receptive.

"They were so welcoming," the Something About Her co-owner gushed. "I had a blast doing it. I love acting. I always have. That's kind of where I started out, my original dreams and goals. I do feel at home performing, but on set it is a little bit different. I haven't been on a scripted set in a long time, so it was it was really interesting and fun."

When it came to playing an over-the-top version on herself on the drama, Ariana knew she wanted to poke fun at herself.

"It's fun because you don't have to take yourself seriously," she shared. "It was really fun to be able to play up all these crazy moments. I think we've taken everything to extremes in this episode."

For instance, Will Trent Ariana has her own team of bodyguards and a bit of a diva attitude.

Jake McLaughlin, Ariana Madix, Will Trent

Disney/Wilford Harewood

"I've never had personal security, I've never had an assistant," she noted. "I've never had a lot of things that I think people maybe assume that someone who's on TV has all these things. It was fun to be like, 'Yeah, sure. I'm totally someone who has security.'"

Don't miss Ariana's episode of Will Trent airing Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. on ABC and streaming on Hulu.

And for more exclusive scoop from Ariana—including an update on her love life—watch E! News tonight, Feb. 24, at 11 p.m.

In the meantime, keep reading to see Ariana's jaw-dropping fashion evolution post-VPR.

Red-Hot

<p>Red-Hot</p>

Revenge Dress 2.0

<p>Revenge Dress 2.0</p>

The Bravolebrity brought back the revenge dress for the season 11 reunion. But this time, she donned a royal blue see-through LaQuan Smith look.

Gold Goddess

<p>Gold Goddess</p>

To make her hosting debut on Peacock's Love Island USA, Ariana wowed in a curve-hugging metallic gold gown from Di Petsa.

Head Over Heels

<p>Head Over Heels</p>

While celebrating her DSW collaboration in May, the 38-year-old turned heads in a floral two-piece set and sky-high platform heels.

"There's such a great range of shoes because that's something that was really important to me," Ariana exclusively told E! News about her curated collection. "As people, and as women, we have so many hats. Sometimes, you need a shoe—or a few—to take you through all of these different roles you're playing in life."

Pretty in Pink

<p>Pretty in Pink</p>

Ariana looked perfectly pink at the season 11 premiere of Vanderpump Rules in January.

Pops of Color

<p>Pops of Color</p>

The Broadway star makes a splash on the set of Love Island USA in this colorful cutout minidress.

White House Beauty

<p>White House Beauty</p>

Ariana was a vision in white at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April—which marked one of her first appearances following her break up with Tom Sandoval amid his months-long affair with former castmember Raquel Leviss.

Eat Your Hart Out

<p>Eat Your Hart Out</p>

The actress suited up in this black blazer dress to make her debut in the Braodway musical Chicago, starring as Roxie Hart.

Flower Power

<p>Flower Power</p>

Ariana ushered in spring with this floral embroidered sequined minidress during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live.

Coachella Cutie

<p>Coachella Cutie</p>

The reality TV star turned up the heat during Coachella 2023, wearing an ab-baring long-sleeve top and cut-off denim shorts.