Real Housewives of Brisbane was almost a thing – and this was the cast

After months of gossip about just who could star in a Brisbane version of Real Housewives, we can reveal who was approached.

Former PR queen turned entrepreneur Fleur Madden

Secret talks were held with South East Queensland women for a Brisbane take on the popular reality TV franchise Real Housewives, before the project was shelved in favour of another Sydney season.

After months of gossip about just who could star in a local season, The Sunday Mail can reveal the identities of multiple women who were courted to star in Foxtel’s hit reality series.

Fleur Madden – a former PR queen turned entrepreneur – said five or six women had been selected for the show, with talks in place for the cast to meet early this year, before they were notified it was no longer going ahead.

The Sunday Mail can also confirm Sonia Stradiotto, Gold Coast’s queen of couture, and jewellery designer Jimena Alejandra had been approached to be a part of the series.

It is understood successful real estate agent Sarah Hackett was also approached by talent scouts, but declined to participate.

It is understood a decision was made in January to pull the pin on the Brisbane version of the show, in favour of forging on with a second Sydney season, six years on from their debut in 2017.

Ms Madden said no contracts had been signed, but discussions had taken place.

“They approached a lot of people,” she said.

According to the cast, talent agencies were specifically scouting business women for the Queensland series, with plans to steer away from the stereotypical “real housewives” persona.

“What attracted me when I spoke to them was that they were looking at doing it a little differently,” Ms Madden said.

“They were specifically looking for business women and women that had their own success, they were trying to make it different.

“This is why I wanted to be involved in the show, because I wouldn’t have wanted to be involved in a show that was negative to women in any way. Not in the business I’m in and I made that really clear to them.

“I’m not the sort of person who is going to flip a table.”

Ms Alejandra said she was approached in mid 2022 “but then they told us they were cancelling it”.

“My initial thoughts were that I was flattered as they did mention some women put my name forward – which was a surprise,” she said.

Brisbane-based jewellery designer Jimena Alejandra

Ms Alejandra said she was disappointed the show didn’t go ahead in Queensland.

“I am sad they didn’t choose Brisbane because we have so much to showcase,” she said.

“We are hosting the Olympics in less than 10 years and we have a lot of change and growth in Brissie town.

“I was interested in the show very much. It would be/could have been a great opportunity for me. With my children now a little older and my business more established, it could have been a fun and challenging thing to bring into my life.”

Ms Madden echoed the sentiment, stating that a Queensland-based series could have been “fantastic for Brisbane from a business perspective and a destination perspective”.

Ms Stradiotto confirmed she was also approached to be on the show.

Triple M Breakfast host Margaux Parker was highly speculated to have been cast for the show, but said she was never officially approached to be on the series.

“Probably don’t fit the description of the superficial housewife very well,” she said.

“I’m relatively low maintenance. And I’m working and I have four kids.

“So I’m a bit busy.”

A Foxtel spokesman confirmed there were no plans for a Queensland version.

Sonia Stradiotto and Margaux Parker

Originally published as Real Housewives of Brisbane was almost a thing – and this was the cast