When we first glanced at the press photos for series 18 of The Real Housewives of Cheshire late last month our jaws hit the floor – not just because the ladies were clearly channelling Wicked with their green and pink aesthetic for the latest season, but mainly because long-time Housewife Nicole Sealey was nowhere to be seen.
But wait, why was Nicole spotted filming scenes with the girls in Thailand in December if she wasn't taking part in the milestone, ten-year anniversary series?
Well, it turns out that Nicole has stepped down from regular cast member to guest Housewife (à la Ester Dee, Tanya Bardsley, Ampika Pickston and Hanna Kinsella), which basically just means you tag along for the girls' trips. But was Thailand Nicole's last Real Housewives of Cheshire girls' trip?
With the extravagant trip now done and dusted, Nicole has broken her silence – after weeks of speculation – and taken to social media to confirm that fans have indeed witnessed her final scenes on the show. Yep, that explosive dinner party on the beach featuring another round of horn-locking with new Housewife, Ell Egar, will be the last time we see Nicole on the show and we are actually in mourning.
Taking to Instagram, Nicole shared a stunning snap of herself from one of her show confessionals with a lengthy caption stating that not 'not everyone needs to like you or stay in touch' from the cast, but stressing that she feels 'no ill will' towards any of the ladies.
Over the weekend, Nicole wrote, 'Sunday Reflection 🪞.
'As many of you may or may not know, The Real Housewives of Cheshire has never been my primary job . While it has been an incredible journey, I’ve been running my business for a long time, and that remains my primary passion. I’ll continue to dedicate myself to it as I embrace this next chapter. 💼✨.
'RHOCheshire has been a big part of my life for many years, and now that my final scene has aired, I find myself reflecting not on the negatives but on the positive moments and the friendships I’ll carry forward. ❤️.
'A huge thank you to my amazing husband, my three wonderful children, my wider family, and of course, my fabulous employees past and present who shared this journey. They may all have cringed at times but have always supported me wholeheartedly. You all mean the world to me. 🙏💖.
'To those I leave behind on HW, there’s no ill will. Not everyone needs to like you or stay in touch, I wish them all well and I only ask in return for respect and honesty. If you don’t know the full story on my departure, please refrain from spreading untruths. Kindness and truthfulness are key. 🙌 And to all of you who’ve watched and supported me throughout this journey, I can’t thank you enough! I hope you enjoy the rest of the season . 💫 With Love Nicole x.'
Nicole first teased her departure from the series last summer (shortly after series 17 wrapped); sharing boujie holiday content in July 2024, Nicole revealed, 'If it feels awkward it's ok to leave... #uponreflection.'
In a separate story post during the same holiday she shared a snap of a very blue sky and wrote, 'Remember if you're not invited to the party, just make your own party.'
We mean this as fans of the show ourselves, Nicole will be sorely missed. A true series legend. Now, please tease a spin-off show à la Tanya.
Nicole appeared on the ITVBe show The Real Housewives of Cheshire for seven full series (as well as joining the ladies on their recent trip to Thailand) after joining the cast during season 11 in 2020 and is now one of the best known faces in Cheshire. The entrepreneur is the daughter-in-law of the late Manchester United goalkeeper Les Sealey.