Last week, BuddyTV reported that The Real Housewives of New York City will be returning in 2009 for its sophomore season.  Now, more details have emerged regarding an additional cast member.

When The Real Housewives of New York City returns with new episodes, fans will not only see Alex McCord, Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin, LuAnn de Lesseps and Ramona Singer as they will also get to know Kelly Bensimon.

Noted for being a model, an author and a fashion editor, Kelly Bensimon will be joining the five original housewives as they struggle with their careers, children, summer in the Hamptons and their jam-packed social calendars.

"I am flattered by the opportunity to be on The Real Housewives of New York City.  I feel it's a great way to showcase my personal and professional life," Bensimon said in a statement.

Bensimon, who divides her time with her two daughters, Sea Louise Bensimon and Thadeus Ann Bensimon from French photographer Gilles Bensimon, between New York City and East Hampton, is a staple on the Manhattan social scene.  She is also an editor at large for Hamptons, Gotham, and LA Confidential magazines.  As a style expert, she has written three books on fashion and regularly appears on television on programs such as The Today Show, CBS, Style, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.  Moreover, she has also created her own jewelry line that is currently sold in top Manhattan boutiques.

A spin-off series of The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City takes an up-close and personal look at a powerful set of New York socialites who are determined to make it in the upper pedestal of society, where money and status are an essential way of life.  The series premiered on March 4 and was renewed for a sophomore season just a month after its debut.



-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Bravo
(Image courtesy of Wire Image)