Real Housewives of Cheshire fans were devastated when they realised that Lauren Simon would not be appearing in the new series.
But show bosses have stayed tight-lipped about why the 43-year-old has decided to step away from the limelight.
Last month fans of the show were treated to some behind the scenes photos as the ladies shot the promo for the new series.
Lauren, one of the original housewives, who has been in the show since it began in 2015, was glaringly absent from a photo posted onto Instagram by Hanna Miraftab.
Meanwhile mysteriously in her place was Dan Edgar from TOWIE.
Fans have been demanding answers ever since, and finally we have them.
Pal and on-screen housewife Dawn Ward has finally revealed why the series favorite is not returning for a ninth outing.
“Lauren has some personal stuff going on,” she told the M.E.N.
“Lauren's an amazing person, I am missing her to bits. I speak to her daily but she has other commitments at the minute that she needs to concentrate on.
“She will be sadly missed, but I am sure we haven't seen the last of Lauren.”
The new series will see the return of Dawn, as well as Tanya Bardsley, Seema Malhotra, Rachel Lugo, Perla Navia, Hanna Miraftab and Ester Dohnalová.
The glamorous women will be reopening the doors to their lavish lifestyles once again as of next week.
Also joining them as a guest housewife again is Christine McGuinness.
The Real Housewives of Cheshire returns on Monday 25th March at 10pm on ITVBe.
