God Save the New Queens of Bravo

by

Lady Martha Sitwell, dressed in a leopard-print silk dress with a bow, jokingly asks if she resembles Margaret Thatcher as she walks into the bar at Sketch, a famously quirky restaurant in London’s upscale Mayfair area. The bar is located beneath the restaurant’s well-known, uniquely-shaped restrooms.

On Ladies of London: The New Reign, the star was likely commenting on her hair – a beautiful, freshly highlighted style with pin curls. While the look didn’t really resemble that of the former prime minister (who some people loved and others disliked), her co-stars, Myka Meier and Lottie Kane, quickly assured her of that. Both were impressed with her new haircut and color. Martha then showed them how she created her bouncy curls, and Lottie suggested she go even blonder, perhaps a platinum blonde like Marilyn Monroe.

Sitwell appreciated the feedback and was relieved she didn’t resemble the previous contestant, Maggie. However, she immediately repeated a question that Missé Beqiri and Mark-Francis Vandelli had already asked as they joined her. The room they were in was circular and dramatically decorated with red benches and a mural of figures on the ceiling. It felt like a futuristic lounge designed for drinking gin and tonic and a bit of playful mischief.

The group reunited for the first time since their New York trip in March to promote the show’s revival, and they have a lot to talk about over afternoon tea. Meier is comfortably holding Kane’s baby, Ezra, without worrying about a mess, while Vandelli, looking sharp in a tailored suit, announces he just flew in from Monaco to watch the tennis. He then pulls Beqiri aside to discuss her relationship problems. It’s unusual for a Bravo cast this size to get together without drama, and perhaps that’s because two of the biggest troublemakers from Ladies of London, Margo Stilley (who spends most of the year in Malibu) and Kimi Murdoch (who had a family emergency in Miami), couldn’t make it to the tea party. When Vandelli finds out Margo won’t be there, he jokingly exclaims, “I even got a fresh manicure for this!”

Lady Emma Thynn was the last to arrive, having waited at her London apartment for her dress – a beautiful, strapless baby-blue gown with jeweled detailing. It was worth the wait. When her close friend, Vandelli, saw her, he surprisingly greeted her with insults, telling her she looked awful and that he disliked her. She responded by expressing annoyance at his quick return from Monaco. This unusual exchange is their way of showing affection – a quirky habit common among English people, particularly those who admire figures like Margaret Thatcher.

You know, I think I’ve figured out why the reboot of Ladies of London is working. It’s not just the delightfully eccentric cast – seriously, we’re talking a pet magpie that lands on Juliet Sitwell’s head, a home in Oscar Wilde’s former townhouse, and a woman who loves Hermès, flower crowns, and a midday cocktail! It’s that these women genuinely know each other, some for years. There was initial hesitation about joining a ‘reality show’ – can you believe it? – but they clearly enjoy spending time, and money, together. As Caprice Murdoch told me just after filming wrapped, she actually had fun because she didn’t feel the need to put on a persona. It’s a refreshing throwback to classic Bravo – and I’m here for it.

Originally airing on Bravo in 2014, Ladies of London was a reality show that followed the lives of British socialites and American women attempting to integrate into London’s high society. While not a massive hit, the show ran for three seasons and has become a favorite among dedicated Bravo viewers. One of its stars, Caroline Stanbury, later went on to lead Real Housewives of Dubai and appeared on Peacock’s The Traitors. However, the show is also remembered for a tragic story: cast member Noelle Reno’s fiancé died by suicide soon after the first season ended, and she believes his death was orchestrated by the Russian mafia.

The women on the show didn’t enjoy the original series at all. As Murdoch put it, she couldn’t even finish two episodes because it was incredibly dull. She described it as simply watching a group of women driving and shopping – something she actively dislikes.

The latest version of this show has been in development for years, with producers carefully selecting a cast of both American and British actors. Bravo has attempted to revive several shows recently, with varying success. In 2023, season 13 of The Real Housewives of New York introduced a completely new group of younger, more diverse women who were strangers to each other, all hoping to gain exposure from a major reality TV franchise. While the first season showed potential, the second season lacked excitement as the cast seemed more focused on avoiding drama than creating compelling television. Last year, Vanderpump Rules also introduced a new group of servers and hosts at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant in West Hollywood for season 12, but viewers quickly lost interest because the cast didn’t seem to have any established connections.

The women in this group have quickly gotten involved, bursting into action like racehorses at the start of a race. Murdoch, a shipping heiress from Haiti who has lived in London for over 20 years, seems to be holding everyone together with her direct and honest communication. She’s been friends for years with Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, who married Emma, the daughter of a Nigerian billionaire and an English socialite – making her the first Black marchioness in English history. Lady Emma met Vandelli, the son of an Italian businessman and an Englishwoman, as teenagers in St.-Tropez. Vandelli later became a popular personality on the reality show Made in Chelsea, known for his witty remarks over 200 episodes – it’s similar to The Hills, but with an aristocratic cast who rarely move their mouths when they speak. (You can find five seasons of the show on Disney+.) Murdoch and Vandelli met when they were both staying at Longleat, the Thynns’ historic 16th-century estate, which is open to the public and also features the first safari park outside of Africa.

Let me tell you, watching Ladies of London has been a completely different experience for me than my time on Made in Chelsea. I was just 21 when I started MIC – a total newbie, not knowing a soul. This time around, it felt amazing to be surrounded by people I genuinely cared about. I walked in feeling much more confident, able to just be myself. And honestly, the biggest difference? No one was telling me where to stand, what to say, or making me redo lines! It’s a fun role, too – I’m the first man ever cast in one of Bravo‘s shows centered around women. It’s hilarious when fans approach me, not even knowing my name, but saying, ‘Lady of London!’ I always respond with a playful, ‘At your service!’

Born into a family that owned successful restaurants, Sitwell’s life took a difficult turn when her mother kicked her out at age 13. She spent the next three years living on the streets before unexpectedly being discovered as a model for Vivienne Westwood, eventually marrying a lord. It was through the designer Philip Treacy that she met Rupert Murdoch, and she describes feeling an instant connection with him. After a divorce from her husband, Sir George Reresby Sacheverell Sitwell, she found herself with a title but no money. She then hired a manager hoping to land a television show – though she imagined something more sophisticated, like a documentary. She recalls, with her characteristic husky laugh, picturing a show about horseback riding or exploring the Silk Road. Initially hesitant, she only agreed to sign a contract after watching a couple of episodes of The Kardashians, which she disliked. Now, she only watches her own reality show.

Julie Murdoch was considered for both Ladies of London and Real Housewives of London. (Hayu, the streaming service popular outside the U.S. for Bravo shows and other American reality TV, obtained the rights to the Real Housewives brand for its first original show.) Murdoch felt she wasn’t suited for Housewives, joking she lacked the necessary glamour and wardrobe. Ana Beqiri, who is Swedish and Albanian, had already appeared on the UK series The Real Housewives of Cheshire when she was married to a soccer player about ten years ago. Finally, Kane, the youngest cast member, joined just months before filming began, as producers were looking for someone connected to London’s fashion world.

When the opportunity arose, Beqiri felt like it was meant to be. She realized taking a chance on something new could open doors to many other experiences.

Kane interjects, “It’s kind of similar to Martha then, really.”

But Sitwell pipes right up, “Oh no, I needed the money.” (Laugh. Champagne bottle. Ashtray.)

“I did, too, to be fair,” single mom Beqiri admits.

Caroline Meier, an American etiquette coach whose husband works in finance, was one of the cast members who didn’t join the show for the money. She previously turned down an offer to be on The Real Housewives of New York City after Bravo noticed her when she lived there. She explained that she didn’t see herself as a ‘Housewife’ and was also pregnant and planning a move to London. Later, she received another call asking if she’d be interested in a new show while still living in London, but she politely declined, suggesting she wasn’t keen on another Housewives opportunity. Meier ultimately joined Ladies of London alongside her close friend from college, architect Dara Huang. The season begins with rumors circulating that Huang used to be a madam, which both women strongly deny. Later, Huang is filmed speaking negatively about Meier to other cast members, calling her ‘cringe.’ Huang hosted the first dinner party of the season, and when confronted about both the rumors and her dishonesty, she immediately quit the show.

Kane recalls the dinner scene took a very long time to film. She remembers being heavily pregnant and that none of them got to eat until around 11 p.m., leaving everyone starving.

“And then we all got food poisoning,” Sitwell says.

“Did you?” Beqiri asks.

“Was it the vodka?” Meier adds, dry as a martini.

“Maybe,” Sitwell reconsiders. Laugh. Champagne bottle. Ashtray.

Meier and Huang haven’t spoken since they finished filming together. Meier believes that if Huang had stayed, it would have been detrimental to her own success. She feels Huang wasn’t supportive of her goals and is relieved that she left. Interestingly, Beqiri, who enjoys drama, is the only person who thinks Huang should have remained.

When Huang left, Margo Stilley quickly stepped in to become the show’s new antagonist. Stilley, an actress known for her role in the 2004 film 9 Songs—which was controversial for its explicit content—was recommended by Sitwell. They had been friends for years, and Stilley, originally from South Carolina, had previously declined offers from Bravo. In fact, her friend Whitney Sudler-Smith, a producer and star on Southern Charm, had tried to get her on the show’s first season. Years later, while pregnant with her daughter, Stilley experienced a strange premonition while driving – she heard a voice telling her she would be on a reality show. Whether it was fate, the power of positive thinking, or a side effect of pregnancy, it turned out to be true.

Even before the last episode of Huang’s storyline aired, Stilley was already sharing information about Murdoch’s insensitive comments regarding Beqiri’s brother’s death – comments he defended by saying, “It’s terrible, but that’s life.” This pattern continued, but this time Stilley didn’t back down. She and Murdoch frequently argued over Sitwell, both feeling protective of him, and this rivalry made Stilley a target for Vandelli, who looks down on her perceived new money. Stilley, in turn, sees Vandelli as a bully. Filming was difficult for Stilley, who was dealing with health issues, and she feels she consistently receives the most conflict. “Everyone else has occasional drama, but mine is constant,” she explained from Malibu shortly after a photoshoot. “They seem to pass the drama around to me constantly.”

Stilley enjoys playing the villain. She says that while she normally maintains boundaries and tries to be polite, the show allowed her to be authentic. “It was a chance to just be myself, say what’s on my mind, and do what I want,” she explained, adding with a laugh, “And it really seemed to bother people.”

The cast members at Sketch seemed to share an unspoken understanding. When asked who would face the most scrutiny at the reunion, those enjoying tea politely avoided a direct answer. Finally, Meier hinted that the person in question wasn’t present, singling out one of just two possible individuals.

Sitwell simply states she’s American, offering no further details. She avoids mentioning her friends, even though they aren’t present. It seems no one is willing to share any gossip at this gathering.

Things really picked up when we started talking about a possible second season – everyone’s so optimistic! It’s funny, Sitwell seems to be loving the attention, especially all the positive messages she’s getting. She’s determined to stay true to herself, but she also hinted she’ll be coming back as a much more assertive, no-nonsense businesswoman. Honestly, it reminded me a little of Margaret Thatcher – a real force to be reckoned with!

Read More

2026-05-01 19:57