Gina Liano reveals why she almost didn’t re-join Real Housewives Of Melbourne cast

It’s hard to imagine Real Housewives Of Melbourne without the OG Gina Liano – but the star has revealed she almost pulled the pin.

She’s the unofficial poster woman of the Real Housewives Of Melbourne.

But Gina Liano, the original star of the scandalous Foxtel reality show, was going to hang up her heels from the series, which begins filming its fifth season next month with three new housewives in the mix.

After an explosive few seasons, which are all available to stream on Foxtel Now, Liano said she enjoyed being in her “own zone”.

“I nearly didn’t come back this season,” the barrister and marriage celebrant said.

“I got back into my own life, it was peaceful and I quite enjoyed it and I was hesitant to come back only for that reason.

“It’s a big responsibility having a public profile, even though I swear and carry on and maybe act a bit irresponsible.

“I think there might be a time where I don’t come back just because my life will keep moving.”

It comes after her well-documented feud with ex-housewife Sally Bloomfield – and disputed allegations of a racial slur – in the fourth season. Their beef came to a head in the reunion special in early 2018, where Bloomfield called Liano a “bully”.

“People throw a stone at you and you throw a boulder back,” Bloomfield said to Liano, who replied, “That’s just my personality. I’m a f***ing bull, mate. (If) you want to come at me like a pussy cat, see the bull heading back.”

Bloomfield confirmed on her Instagram page last week she wasn’t returning for the new season, hinting it wasn’t her choice.

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Foxtel’s executive director Brian Walsh said in an interview last year Liano wasn’t going to sign on if Bloomfield stayed.

“Where we left last season is that Gina said she would not come back to the show if Sally was on the series, and that has taken us some time to resolve how we move forward,” Mr Walsh said.

But Liano said the series needed a shake-up, with yoga instructor Cherry Dipietrantonio, champagne educator Kyla Kirkpatrick and journalist Anjali Rao the newcomers.

“I think every season needs a fresh change; it keeps it interesting,” Liano said.

The fresh Real Housewives of Melbourne cast. Cherry Dipietrantonio, Janet Roach, Gina Liano (seated), Lydia Schiavello, Gamble Breaux, Anjali Rao, Kyla Kirkpatrick. Picture: David Caird

“We’ve got the three newbies. They’ll be a lot of fun. And they’re smart girls.

“The four cast that have remained, we’re really funny girls among ourselves. I think it’s resonated with the audience.

“We have stayed friends because of our sense of humour, despite arguments, it’s hard to hold a grudge when they tickle your funny bone.”

As far as her storyline goes for the new season, Liano said she was embarking on multiple community projects she was excited to bring awareness to.

“I’ll keep them a surprise, but they’re not self-serving, they’re community things that a lot of people will feel passionate about,” she said.

“It sounds superficial saying that but I do think there’ll be people who have a similar point of view.

“It’s to do with animals, I’ll throw that in there.”

Real Housewives Of Melbourne is available to stream on Foxtel Now