'Vanderpump Rules' Stars Confident Rachel's Not Returning ... For Season 11

Rachel Leviss' possible return to "Vanderpump Rules" remains shrouded in mystery ... but as filming keeps rolling along, her costars are becoming convinced she won't join the fold.

Sources connected to the hit reality show tell TMZ ... 'VPR' cast members are now feeling more than confident Rachel will NOT return for Season 11.

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There's reasoning behind the consensus ... the cast has been filming since late June and Rachel hasn't shot a single scene, either solo or with any other 'VPR' stars.

Bottom line ... it's going to be hard to integrate Rachel into the storylines.

What's more, we're told none of the cast, aside from Tom Sandoval, has been in touch with Rachel since they saw her at the emotional reunion show in late March, which was shot just before Rachel checked into a mental health facility, which she recently left after a lengthy stay.

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However, never say never ... we're told 'VPR' stars wouldn't be shocked if Rachel shows up to film at the 11th hour to tell her side of the story about the Scandoval.

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Still, our sources say other cast members strongly believe Rachel's therapists convinced her to steer clear of the show and the accompanying drama that led her to seek professional help in the first place.

Stay tuned ...

Tom Sandoval Ariana & I Don't Even Look At Each Other ... And We Live Together!!!

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Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix are avoiding making any eye contact these days, according to him ... which is obviously a challenge considering they're still living together.

TS was leaving the Ziggy Hotel in West Hollywood Thursday night, and pressed on the rumors he and Ariana can barely stomach to look at each other anymore ... and the guy ain't denying it.

The photog brings up a good point -- how the hell is that possible when they're still living under the same roof? Tom's response is sure to drop a few jaws.

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TMZ broke the story, Ariana's refusing to film any "Vanderpump Rules" scenes with Tom this season ... and the closest they've gotten to each other on-camera was at SUR last month when the whole cast arrived -- but the 2 made sure to avoid direct convo.

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BTW, Tom's also asked about Nick Viall's claims that he snuck photos of Rachel Leviss onto the set of 'Special Forces.' Sounds like that was true, too ... but he's shooting down the idea that he ever showed off the pics proudly.

Tom Sandoval Snuck Pics of Rachel Onto 'Special Forces' Set

Tom Sandoval smuggled some contraband into the production of "Special Forces," according to Nick Viall ... but it wasn't snacks or booze -- it allegedly was photos of Rachel Leviss.

The "Bachelor" alum spilled the tea on Thursday's episode of his podcast, "The Viall Files" ... saying Tom, his fellow cast member on the upcoming season of the competition series, brought pics of him and Rachel onto set -- which Nick says was against the rules.

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Nick told his guest, Sai De Silva, that there were certain things they couldn't bring during the rigorous training process, adding he would've loved to have brought photos of his fiancée Natalie Joy, but he couldn't.

What's more bizarre, Nick claims Tom was showing the pics of him and Rachel around to the rest of the cast. Nick notes the "Vanderpump Rules" star seemed to really care about Rachel, for what it's worth.

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TMZ broke the story about Tom and Rachel's affair in March, and we learned in June that he missed the beginning of filming for 'VPR's new season because he was shooting the FOX series in New Zealand.

In other words, folks on the show had plenty of time to know about his affair drama ... but Tom still showed off the pics like a badge of honor, according to Nick.

Season 2 of "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" begins airing at the end of September ... Tom and Nick are up against folks like Blac Chyna, Tara Reid, and Jojo Siwa.

Guess Who This Baby Boy Turned Into!

Before this happy baby turned into a model, bartender, and reality star, he was just growing up in Shelby Township, Michigan, heading off to serve in the Navy and eventually landing in Los Angeles.

After taking a hiatus from filming "Vanderpump Rules", this reality star recently confirmed his return to television, however, he and his partner were quite busy during their time away from the cameras ... welcoming a baby into their lives in 2021 and most recently launching the podcast "When Reality Hits."

Need one more clue? "I'm the #1 guy in this group!"

Can you guess who he is?

Lisa Vanderpump Keeps Quiet About Rachel Leviss' 'VPR' Return ... Sorry, Gotta Run!

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Rachel Leviss' big return to "Vanderpump Rules" has been mostly shrouded in mystery ... but surely Lisa Vanderpump would help give some answers, right? Think again.

We got Lisa on the TMZ Celebrity Tour in WeHo Thursday ... and as we chatted at a red light about her recent Emmy nominations, we asked her the million-dollar question -- is RL comin' back or not??

Of course, Lisa's keeping a tight lip on the whole situation ... playfully making her big escape thanks to a perfectly-timed green light.

Jokes aside, the 'VPR' matriarch has gotta know something about Rachel's return, but she ain't spilling the tea any time soon. TMZ broke the story, Rachel's actually bound by her contract with Bravo to join the cast for season 11, but she's still in negotiations -- possibly for a higher rate.

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Remember, Rachel left her mental health facility earlier this month after checking herself in back in April ... and has been MIA while production picked back up for 'VPR.' Nothing's been said about how she was doing while away -- even Tom Sandoval wouldn't blab.

If we were betting, it seems increasingly unlikely Rachel will return to the show ... they're halfway through shooting Season 11, and it's gonna be hard to integrate her into the storylines.

Ya can't run away from us forever, Lisa ... especially with that crappy L.A. traffic!

Tom Sandoval & Ariana Madix Still Not Filming One-On-One For 'VPR' ... She Refuses to Chat

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix coming face-to-face is not happening -- not for cameras, at least -- as we've learned the 'Vanderpump' exes haven't shot a one-on-one scene together since filming started for the next season.

Sources connected to the show tell TMZ ... Ariana is refusing to share the screen with Sandoval, and keep in mind, they've been filming for season 11 since late June. The prospects of that changing don't look good, either, because she's just not interested in talking to the guy.

Contrary to a report, we're told Ariana hasn't spoken to him directly since last season's tense reunion -- and they're only communicating through other people.

Our sources say production is currently slated to wrap around the first week of September, so producers are in crunch time ... and we're sure a scene with Tom and Ariana is at the top of their to-do list.

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As we reported, the closest they've gotten to each other since production began was at SUR earlier this month, where they both were in the building but steered clear of each other.

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One thing Tom couldn't avoid was the wrath of Scheana Shay ... she ripped into him about Rachel Leviss, who's creating a whole other problem for producers.

We told you Bravo has her under contract to appear in the new season, but she's been MIA from all shoots since ending her 100-day stay in a wellness facility. The issue for Bravo is ... under California law, she can choose to walk away.

Think about it -- no Rachel and no Ariana and Tom scenes could crush all the "Scandoval" drama. 😲

Ariana Madix Knocks Tom Sandoval On 'Love Island USA' ... You Better Know Your Partner, Trust Me!!!

Ariana Madix fired some shots at Tom Sandoval during her dream come true appearance on "Love Island USA" ... in a game all about knowing your partner's true colors.

The "Vanderpump Rules" star made her villa debut Tuesday night, hosting the "Mr. and Mrs." game for this season's islanders -- telling contestants she "can't wait to see who's actually been taking the time to get to know one another."

A great setup for a jab at Tom -- then saying "Take it from me, it's important to know who you're dating or sharing a bed with." Ariana adds, "If they're not the one for you, trust me, it's better to find out sooner rather than later."

'VPR' fans remember "Love Island" was the topic of a pretty dramatic convo between Ariana and Tom just before their split. She was talking with him about spending quality time, and he responded, "I don't have time to watch 50 goddamn episodes of Love Island."

As we reported, Ariana was over the moon Tuesday, sharing a first look at her time gathering around the fire pit in Fiji ... and her recent appearance is on top of multiple brand deals, joining the cast of "Dancing with the Stars," and filming a new season of "VPR."

She sure as hell keeps herself busy!

Ariana Madix Check Me Out On 'Love Island USA' ... I'm Entering the Villa!

Ariana Madix is giving fans a sneak peek at her big entrance into the villa, as in the famed "Love Island USA" villa ... where she will be making a guest appearance.

The "Vanderpump Rules" star shared a snap of herself Monday on the Fiji set of the hit reality series -- sharing her excitement for gathering around the fire pit on Tuesday night's episode.

She's quite the new bombshell, according to her ... and while her time in Fiji might be short, we're sure it's still gonna be a memorable appearance.

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It's already been confirmed she isn't filling in as host, and she likely isn't joining as a contestant since she's currently linked to trainer Daniel Wai, so her role is a little hazy as of now.

You'll recall, Ariana's been doing well since the infamous cheating scandal with Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss, at least in terms of business moves -- apart from the "Love Island" appearance, she's also joining the "Dancing with the Stars" cast for its latest season.

FYI, that's on top of her 'VPR' filming, which is already in production.

As we reported, she's teamed up with big companies like Raising Cane's, SoFi, and even a sex toy company -- and we learned Ariana could be making up to $200k for each brand deal in the wake of the cheating mess.

Islanders, prepare for Ariana!

James Kennedy Goodbye Graham, Hello Hippie! Renames Dog Once Shared With Rachel Leviss

"Vanderpump Rules" star James Kennedy has chosen a new name for his pup ... the same one he scooped up from a shelter after living with his ex, Rachel Leviss.

James shared a cute snap Sunday of the dog formerly known as Graham Cracker -- now called Hippie, according to the DJ. He says it carries some sentimental weight, being "a tribute to my late godfather, George Michael's dog's name."

He says the legendary singer's pooch was "the only dog I saw around the house growing up" ... and he thinks both George and Hippie are watching over him today and would be pretty proud of him.

As we reported, James posted some pics with his dog and his GF Ally Lewber last week, during the "VPR" Lake Tahoe trip.

Sources told us it was recently dropped off at a shelter after having a biting problem, and Rachel's mom, Laura, claimed she was bit down to the bone while caring for Hippie while her daughter was at her mental health facility, according to ET.

After some rehabilitation, Vanderpump Dog Foundation learned where the pup was and set up the reunion with James.

You'll recall, James and Rachel adopted Hippie in 2018 while still engaged, but their split 3 years later left the dog with her and not him ... and now Hippie and his mama have a name change in common.

'RAQUEL' LEVISS GIVES UP DOG TO EX-FIANCÉ JAMES ... Look Who's 'Back Home'

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10:52 AM PT -- A source with direct knowledge tells us Graham was recently dropped off at a shelter, and was having behavioral issues -- mostly a biting problem. Vanderpump Dog Foundation got alerted to Graham's situation and worked out the reunion with James and his pooch.

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Our sources say James has the dog in training classes, and they've seemed to work. We're told James is super happy to have Graham back.

Rachel Leviss is making some more big changes in her life ... she changed her name, and now, she's no longer a dog mom.

James Kennedy posted some photos with Graham, the dog he once shared with Leviss when they were dating, claiming the pup is back with him for good. Sources with direct knowledge tell us James found out through a mutual friend Raquel was trying to find a new home for Graham ... she didn't connect with him directly.

Clearly, the "Vanderpump Rules" star is thrilled to have his pooch back, kissing him in photos with the caption ... "Look who made his way back home, back into my life, I'll take care of you forever and I love you. ❤️"

It appears the images are from the 'VPR' trip to Lake Tahoe ... where some of the cast members are currently hanging out. James is with his girlfriend Ally Lewber in one of the pics, kissing the dog while on a boat.

Remember ... Leviss and James originally got Graham back when they were dating, but she took the pooch with her when they ultimately split.

Now, James has the dog ... and the timeline suggests Graham Cracker made his way back to James when Rachel went to the mental health facility she ended up calling home for 2 months.

In any event, it looks like Graham Cracker has a loving home.

Originally Published -- 9:31 AM PT

'Raquel' Leviss Bound By Bravo Contract for 'VPR' Season 11

The mystery of whether "Raquel" (now Rachel) Leviss has all the cards in her negotiations with Bravo is a mystery no more, because we've learned she's bound by an existing contract.

Multiple sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Bravo has a contract with Leviss which binds her to Season 11 of "Vanderpump Rules."

Leviss' rep tells TMZ, "She has been under contract ... She is just renegotiating possible terms."

The word "possible" is highly relevant, since Bravo has a right to lock Leviss in at the rate mentioned in her contract. It's not uncommon in the reality world for some cast members to try and get a bump, but Bravo could reject that and Leviss would still be bound by her contract.

There is a wild card. TMZ broke the story, Leviss left the mental health facility she called home for 2 months about a week ago. Although we're told she's doing a lot better, she could almost certainly quit the show if she felt it would compromise her mental health and a doctor agreed.

In case you didn't see our story Friday, she's now going by her government name, Rachel, because her therapists convinced her all the detractors who are using that name as a slight would be disempowered if she embraced the name.

Stay tuned.

Raquel Leviss Back to Birth Name ... Call Me Rachel

Raquel Leviss had an epiphany during her stay in a mental health facility ... she is going back to her birth name, and the reason is deeply rooted in her therapy.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the "Vanderpump Rules" star was very upset her haters in the wake of Scandavol began calling her by her birth name, Rachel.

Although that's her government name, her friends and family began calling her Raquel at a very early age, and the name stuck.

We're told she's spent an enormous amount of time in therapy over the last few months, and her therapists explained to her ... her detractors had weaponized the name "Rachel" to hurt her. She came to realize, with the help of the therapists, that by taking the name back and embracing it ... she neutralized the people who used it as a weapon.

So, from this point on, she's Rachel.

TMZ broke the story, Rachel left her mental health facility in Arizona last week ... with a staggering bill of $200K.

As we reported, Rachel has not yet signed on for Season 11 of 'VPR.' She's in negotiations with Bravo, and sources connected to her say what remains paramount in the negotiations and beyond is her mental health.

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The rest of the cast has been shooting Season 11 for more than a week ... they all showed up to SUR in WeHo Tuesday night and there were fireworks.

Raquel Leviss Out Of Mental Health Facility ... Astronomical Bill

Raquel Leviss has been out of the mental facility she called home for 2 months, and the bill is staggering.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Raquel checked into The Meadows in Arizona where she underwent intensive therapy for 2 months.

As for the bill ... our sources say $200,000.

There were lots of folks who never believed she was ever in a mental health facility, but the reality for this reality star ... she was.

She's been out for a week and has been holed up in a friend's house, and is uneasy about venturing out. One source who has spent time with her in the last week tells TMZ, "She is like a totally different person."

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She planned on heading to the facility before taping the explosive "Vanderpump Rules" reunion episode, but chose to wrap up the season before heading there.

A rep for Raquel told us she wasn't going to the center for any sort of rehab, but "rather mental health and trauma therapy." Of course, Raquel's taken quite the beating, both online and on the show, over her and Tom's affair.

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Lisa Vanderpump told us folks should probably back off  ... especially considering Raquel's call to check herself in.

Scheana Shay -- who Raquel claimed attacked her in the midst of Scandoval -- spoke out, too ... with her lawyer telling us, "We obviously recognize mental health is an important issue and wish Rachel all the best in her recovery, but we’d also like her to own up to her false allegations and publicly come out and acknowledge that she lied."

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Raquel's former 'VPR' costars -- namely Peter Madrigal and Dayna Kathan -- shared doubts about the seriousness of her mental health treatments ... but Tom called them out, reassuring folks this is the real deal.

The reality series also jumped into filming its latest season last month without Raquel ... but sources told us her team's been in negotiations with Bravo and production to talk about a new contract.

Tom Sandoval Doesn't Know How Raquel is Doing ... Makes Duet Pitch to Adele

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Tom Sandoval said a lot in what appears on the surface to be a goofy convo ... a lot about Ariana Madix, Raquel Leviss and even Adele.

Let's start with the goofy stuff. A photog mentioned how Adele's been on his radar, even mentioning the 'Scandoval' during one of her Vegas residency shows. Check out the tune he belts out ... we're guessing it's not gonna end up in Sin City.

As Tom was leaving IntoMeSea Spa in Santa Monica Wednesday with reality show alum, Billie Lee ... the photog pivots to a sore subject -- Ariana.

The question is innocent enough ... how does he think she'll do on "Dancing with the Stars?" Tom noodles on it, and he bends over backward to give his ex high praise. Interesting.

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And, finally -- and most important -- the photog asked how Raquel is doing. Before he tells the photog he should ask her, Tom kinda slips and says, "I don't know." If he doesn't, that's pretty revealing.

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He's mum on whether Raquel is coming back to the show. As we reported, no deal has been made. Raquel and Bravo are in negotiations, and we're told her mental health is paramount over any reality show.

We covered it all in a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Tom Sandoval Cryin' A River At SUR ... While Filming 'VPR'

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Getting back with his "Vanderpump Rules" cast members isn't going smoothly for Tom Sandoval -- new video shows him breaking down during their first night out together, but ya gotta wonder if they're crocodile tears.

Witnesses tell TMZ ... Tom was having a chat with his jeweler pal Kyle Chan at SUR Tuesday night in WeHo. As we reported, the whole cast -- except Raquel Leviss -- was there and, around 9 PM, things took an emotional turn.

Check out the clip, Tom starts wiping away his tears, but it's hard to tell what got him in his feels. Ariana Madix was only a stone's throw away from him, so that could've been a factor.

Another possibility, though, is ... producers told him to look distraught. The lighting wasn't great, so we're not gonna vouch for the authenticity of this cry-sesh. You make the call!

On the other hand, Ariana was looking pretty happy and chatting it up with the ladies at the same time Tom got weepy -- but separate 'VPR' cameras were rolling on both scenes.

Remember, Tom, Ariana, and other cast members all stepped into SUR to watch James Kennedy DJ and to grab dinner with Lisa Vanderpump ... marking the first time this season the whole cast has been seen under the same roof.

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Scheana Shay got into it with Tom outside the restaurant that night, and you could hear her shout at him, "If you hadn't f***ed Raquel," before walking away.

All the repeated tongue lashings -- which started during the reunion special taping -- could be pushing Sandoval over the edge, or he just knows 'VPR' is now the biggest reality show ... and he's got a role to play.

Raquel Leviss Still Negotiating with Bravo ... No Deal in Place

There's still a major piece of the puzzle missing on Season 11 of "Vanderpump Rules," because we've learned Raquel Leviss is still NOT signed on.

Sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations tell TMZ ... Raquel's people are "talking" to Bravo, but the deal is not done.

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There have been various media reports indicating Raquel has already signed on. Those reports are not accurate. They're still negotiating.

Our sources say there's one thing that remains paramount in any possible return to "VPR" -- Raquel's mental health.

As we reported, Raquel has been in a mental health facility since mid-April, in the wake of all the fallout and hate as a result of Scandoval.

The cast has been shooting -- sans Raquel -- over the last week or so. They were all together Tuesday night at Sur in WeHo, shooting and arguing as per usual.

We covered the "VPR" drama on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.