Exclusive

Real Housewives of Atlanta Starts Filming With Transgender Model Amiyah Scott and Kim Fields (Tootie!)

Bravo star also discusses her marriage and new sunglasses line

By Kristin Dos Santos Aug 18, 2015 4:51 PMTags
Kim Fields, Kenya Moore, Amiyah ScottGetty Images; Instagram

Things are heating up again in Hotlanta!

On the heels of the news that Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes is moving on to other projects, Bravo is spicing up its high-rated series with two additions: Amiyah Scott and Kim Fields, E! News has confirmed. 

Scott is a transgender model (born as Arthur and raised in New Orleans) and although she hasn't been offered a series regular role as a Housewife, she began filming with RHOA crews last night for the show's eighth season. 

"Amiya is a friend of Kenya's," a source tells E! News exclusively, "and she was at an event that Kenya threw last night. So she filmed last night. Other than that, she's having conversations with production. Talks are happening but it's too soon to say what will come of it."

The event last night was for Kenya's hair care line.

Watch: Cynthia Bailey Says "RHOA" Will Go on Without NeNe

Fields, who got her start in Hollywood as Tootie on Facts of Life (#RollerSkates4Evah), has been named a Housewife and the plan is to have her very much a part of the new season. However, a source adds, "Anything can happen." Last night was the first time the RHOA ladies filmed with Fields, and we are told that there was no drama—just introductory pleasantries. 

Bravo has no comment on any of the casting news.
 

Nene, of course, is not returning for the first time in eight years. Claudia Jordan is also out after just one season. The show's other stars, including Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey, and Phaedra Parks, are expected to stay on as main cast members.

Fields is more conservative and religious than some of the other Housewives, according to sources. Time will tell if she can bring the heat!

Alex Martinez