Why I Wasn’t at the Real Housewives of Sydney Reunion
My stunning reunion dress was made by the ever-talented Mary Ionnadis
If you’ve been watching the Real Housewives of Sydney and noticed my absence from the reunion episode, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not the only one asking why I wasn’t there.
So here it is: I didn’t skip it. I didn’t storm off. I didn’t have cold feet.
I simply wasn’t in the country. I was travelling for work, BonPatch.
Ready to (literally) zoom into the reunion from London
When I signed my contract for the season, the reunion date was locked in. I planned everything around it - work, personal commitments, and yes, even travel. But at the eleventh hour, the date was changed. Unfortunately, by then I was already booked, packed, and set to be in London. This wasn’t a spontaneous trip - these dates had been in my schedule for over a year, and production was aware of them.
In fact, I had returned to Sydney specifically for three full weeks at production’s request to complete filming. But not only did the reunion not happen during that window - we didn’t shoot anything at all. I came back, made myself available, and waited. Nothing happened.
By the time production was finally able to confirm the new reunion date, I was in New York and already en route to London.
Still, I’m a professional. I respect the fans, the format, and the women I shared this wild ride with. So I found a way to show up.
My incredible hair and makeup artist, Nicole Fairfield working through the night
I zoomed in - quite literally - via satellite from a hotel room in London. Hair and makeup started at 11pm. We filmed live with the rest of the cast, all through the night until 6am London time. It was a long, surreal shoot, and I gave it everything I had.
What you saw - or didn’t see - in the final cut wasn’t up to me. I can’t control how much of me made it to air.
My beautiful friend, Juliet Mayhew, bringing the snacks, coffee and company to keep me awake and entertained between cuts!
Remember that what you see in the edit is just that - a skewed cutdown to make a show - hopefully a good show - but it’s never the complete story.
And just to be completely transparent: I even offered to fly back to Sydney again to shoot the reunion in person, if production would provide a return flight. That offer was never taken up.
I didn’t make myself unavailable. I was ready. I showed up. The dates just kept moving.
I’ve always believed that showing up matters. I hate missing important moments, especially something as pivotal as a reunion. But life doesn’t always play out the way producers plan it - or the way any of us expect.
You’ve only seen part of the story - but I have so much more to share, in my own words.
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out with love and support. I see you, and I appreciate you. And don’t worry - I’ve got a lot to say, and you’ll be hearing it soon. Just not under studio lights.
With love from New York,
Nicole x