Is Kim Fields Joining 'Real Housewives of Atlanta?'
Speculation follows NeNe Leakes departure, announced earlier this week.
— -- News of NeNe Leakes' departure from the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" is just days old, but already there's speculation that a new housewife could be joining the show -- none other than "Facts of Life" star Kim Fields.
ABC News reached out to the 46-year-old actress' rep and was told that Fields finds all of the speculation "intriguing, but since there's actually no deal, it's just all rumors."
Fields, who grew up on television as Tootie in "Facts of Life" and later as Regine in "Living Single," is more likely to be found behind the camera these days, directing shows like Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" and BET's "Let's Stay Together" as well as her "Holiday Love" series.
"I have done so many other things [since Tootie], whether comedy, dramas, spoken word, appearing in films and directing, and people are still following my career," she told ABC News is December 2013, days before giving birth to her second son following her surprise pregnancy at 44. "That's a blessing. I don't take that for granted, and I'm grateful every day."
Leakes, who has starred on the Bravo series for seven seasons since its inception, also expressed her gratitude to fans and people associated with the show while confirming that she would not be returning for season 8.
"Being part of 'RHOA' has been a big part of my life but I’m excited for new the beginnings [sic] I am pursuing and embarking upon," the 47-year-old reality star said in a statement Tuesday. "Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and supported me over the years on this amazing platform."
"With lots of thought and prayer I’ve decided to step out on faith and not fear," she added.
Leakes teased that she'll be filming a new primetime television show with "a big legend" but left the door open to make an occasional appearance on "Real Housewives."
"I'm not saying I'm gone forever," Leakes told People magazine. "I'll probably pop up and play with those girls every now and then."
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