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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Potomac

Why Candiace Dillard Bassett Is “Excited” for Ashley Darby

In a RHOP preview, Candiace asks Ashley about the rumor that she’s cozying up to a “hockey player.”

By Shannon Raphael

Candiace Dillard Bassett and Ashley Darby have spent a few seasons arguing about Michael Darby on The Real Housewives of Potomac, but longtime fans of the series will remember that the two were thick as thieves when the “Drive Back” singer first joined the cast in Season 3. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Potomac on Peacock and the Bravo app

On RHOP Season 7, Candiace and Ashley are looking to get back to a good place in their friendship, which could be aided by the fact that Ashley is now separated from Michael. 

In a preview of the November 6 episode (which you can watch above), Ashley visits Candiace’s new home for the first time. They break bread together, and they spill the tea. 

Candiace shares that she heard Ashley was “already in the streets,” dating around. She asks about a rumor that Ashley was seen out at a restaurant with a hockey player. 

Ashley reacts by falling to the floor in an attempt to avoid Candiace’s comment. 

“You were! That’s what they said!” Candiace exclaims. “You’re laughing; you’re turning red! Don’t be ashamed.”

“This city is too small!” Ashley replies, before she acknowledges that there is some truth to the rumor.

“It was very casual,” the “Coffee and Love” singer tells Candiace about the outing. In an interview, she shares the whole story about the athlete. “I was out with my friends. We went to a bar, and there was a guy there, and we actually had dinner. It was fine. I had a good time, but I am going to compare everybody to Michael.”

Ashley may still be processing her separation, but Candiace isn’t feeling any mixed emotions about it.

“This is a highly anticipated chapter, and I’m excited for you,” Candiace tells Ashley.

Ashley was feeling conflicted about moving on from Michael during Season 7, but it looks like things have changed. 

Have RHOP 'Wife Ashley Darby and Summer House's Luke Gulbranson Found Love at BravoCon?!

During BravoCon 2022, Ashley connected with Winter House’s Luke Gulbranson. In addition to posing for a photo together, Ashley shared during the Potomac Meets Manhattan panel that she “had a time” with the Minnesotan the night before when they “hung out” together.

The Bravolebrities have yet to share an update on their BravoCon bond, but Ashley’s next chapter has begun.

Watch The Real Housewives of Potomac on Bravo Sundays at 8/7c and the next day on Peacock. Catch up on the Bravo app.

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