RHOBH’s Kathy Hilton ‘signed on to return for season 12 after demanding salary bump’ as Covid outbreak halts production

KATHY Hilton will return to Real Housewives of Beverley Hills next season as a “friend of” the cast after striking a new deal, it’s been reported.

The 62-year-old will rejoin the Bravo series days after a pre-planned break from filming over the holidays, according to ET.

Last month, sources close to the production claimed the mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton was waiting for more money from Bravo before agreeing to film again.

Cameras have already been rolling for the new season for several weeks but Kathy has been absent.

TMZ reported at the time that Kathy – who was a friend of the cast last season – was offered a contract to film but she’s not signed it yet because the money wasn’t enough.

The contract was reportedly for Kathy to continue as a “friend of the cast”.

However, Kathy’s sister Kyle, 52, who is a full time cast member, remained tight-lipped about Kathy’s absence.

Asked by the online news outlet about Kathy returning to the Bravo show, Kyle said she had been too busy with Paris’ wedding planning.

But TMZ’s source insisted it was because Kathy was holding out for more money.

Elsewhere, RHOBH reportedly halted production after co-stars Lisa Rinna, 57, Erika Jayne, 50, and Garcelle Beauvais, 55, contracted Covid.

The Real Housewives co-stars and a member of the crew have all reportedly tested positive, according to TMZ.

The producers of the Bravo show have reportedly decided to suspend all filming. 

Symptoms were said to be mild for all those who were involved since they were also reportedly vaccinated.

The reality show will reportedly take a brief break.

Sources close to the show told TMZ the hiatus is expected to last at least a couple of weeks. 

The cast and crew will reportedly be tested multiple times once filming resumes.

This is not the first time though that RHOBH has halted production because of the pandemic.

Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton, and Dorit Kemsley had reportedly tested positive for Covid in 2020.

‘TOLD TO QUARANTINE’

Back in November, the RHOBH cast and crew were informed someone tested positive for coronavirus which caused production to halt indefinitely. 

An insider told Hollywood Life: “RHOBH was shut down due to Covid. 

“Everyone thinks it’s a crew member that tested positive and the ladies and production were informed this morning.”

The source continued: “They filmed yesterday. 

“Everyone’s been told to quarantine for 14 days and haven’t been told much else right now.

“They have no idea when they’ll start up again. Everyone’s just waiting for more info.”

The CDC advised anyone who may come into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus had to quarantine for about two weeks. 

Kyle, Lisa, Erika, Garcelle, and Dorit were expected to self-isolate at their homes.

The reality stars had just started filming for the eleventh season back in October.