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Tom Sandoval Reacts to "Unbelievable" Vanderpump Rules Shakeup: "Overwhelmed"
Tom Sandoval explained why he's "overwhelmed" by the recent Vanderpump Rules Season 12 news.
Tom Sandoval is weighing in on the Nov. 26 announcement that Vanderpump Rules will return for Season 12, but with an entirely new cast alongside Lisa Vanderpump.
"Where do I begin… I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now…" Sandoval wrote in the caption of an Instagram post featuring a carousel of throwback photos from 11-season run on the show. "The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day. From a random meeting with Jax [Taylor] while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules."
The Tom Tom part owner continued, "We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships. As soon as we started filming sh-t got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way."
The Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras singer went on to thank the network, crew, fans, and Lisa and Ken Todd for being part of the journey.
"It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now. As in life, so much has happened over the years. Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which I’ve learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth. Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories," he concluded in his caption. "Until we meet again, Sandy."
The Season 12 news came out just a day after Tom Sandoval and his best friend-turned business partner Tom Scwhartz confirmed that their bar, Schwartz & Sandy's, would be closing at the end of the year.
Lala Kent, Ariana Madix, Scheana Shay, and more react to the Vanderpump Rules Season 12 news
Tom Sandoval wasn't the only former SUR employee to react to the Vanderpump Rules Season 12 announcement.
His ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix, who joined the cast back in Season 3, took to her Instagram feed to share that she was "forever grateful" for the show.
"Vanderpump Rules, you will forever be that girl," she captioned her post. "[I] was up til 4am looking for all the right pics and the right words, but there’s no post or caption that could ever encapsulate everything. I am forever grateful to have been a part of such an incredible cultural phenomenon..."
Ariana went on to thank the crew and fans, and to refer to the experience as "something special."
Her business partner, Katie Maloney, also acknowledged the news by posting a throwback Instagram Story of her wearing the iconic SUR dress. "It's a mixed bag," Katie wrote over the photo. "But I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you for the memories and the love the last 11 years."
James Kennedy, meanwhile, was emotional about the news.
"I can't lie, I'm holding back some tears as I write this," he shared on Instagram. "It's been a pleasure being a part of Vanderpump Rules and filling your TV screens with our lives over the past decade. I've dedicated my life to this show and I'm forever grateful to everyone who tuned in. All of my dreams are finally coming true; this year I played Neon Carnival, EDC and Stagecoach and I have a Vegas residency — and I have all of you to thank. It's been a wild ride and I'm excited to see what the future holds. Although this is a bittersweet ending, for me, this is just the beginning! THANK YOU."
For her tribute, Lala Kent reflected on how SUR and Vanderpump Rules became her "home."
"Sur was a place that became home. I found myself not only sipping on vodka sodas there, but behind a hostess stand… it still to this day is the most intimidating job I’ve ever had," she wrote in part of her caption. "A short time later the opportunity to be on a show called Vanderpump Rules landed in front of me. I have such mixed feelings right now. It’s no secret I do not like change. This is the exception. I want to say thank you for rocking with us for so many years. This show changed my whole life. I’m unbelievably grateful for every moment. I’m unbelievably grateful for Bravo, for NBCU, for our crew, the entire cast, and most importantly all of you. We rocked this bitch until the wheels fell off."
Scheana Shay also posted a series of photos from her time on the show, including one of her in her SUR dress.
"The end of an era, and the start of something new. I don’t even know where to begin….well maybe first off, thank you to everyone who’s checked in on me. We had one hell of a run! I never could have imagined while shooting the pilot for VPR that it would become what it has, nor go on for as long as it did. To the fans who’ve been with us from the beginning, and to everyone who joined along the way, THANK YOU. Putting our lives out there isn’t always easy, but every time one of y’all reached out to say our stories resonated with you made it all worth it..." she said, before thanking the crew. "Cheers to the next chapter! The rest is still unwritten…"
Tom Schwartz, for his part, posted a video of highlights from the cast edited to the Friends theme song.
"How the last 12 years replays in my mind," he wrote alongside the video.
