In a revealing sneak peek from the much-anticipated third season of Bravo’s reality show, The Valley, tensions quickly rise as Michelle Saniei reacts to an unexpected guest: Lacy Nicole, the girlfriend of her ex, Jesse Lally. The episode is set to air on 1 April at 8 p.m. ET, but viewers are already getting a taste of the drama through a newly released clip.
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Michelle, aged 37, finds herself taken aback when Jesse, 45, walks in holding hands with Lacy, 35. Though Lacy was mentioned in the previous season, this marks her first appearance in front of the cameras. “What the f— is she doing here?” Michelle exclaims, her discomfort palpable in the wake of Lacy’s arrival.
As the situation unfolds, Michelle confides in her co-star Lala Kent about her lack of preparation for Lacy’s appearance. “Nobody told me she was coming because she was like, ‘I would never in my life film,’” she shares. Clearly unsettled, Michelle’s agitation builds during the confessional, where she sarcastically queries, “Oh, are we allowed to say her name this year?” as footage rolls of Jesse and Lacy expressing affection for one another.
The complicated dynamic between Michelle and Lacy is underscored by Michelle’s comments about their past. Labeling their relationship as “very difficult,” she reflects on Lacy’s strong attitude and desire for approval. “I’m dealing with a person who thinks she knows everything and she wants everyone to love her, I can tell,” Michelle states, her eyes fixed on the camera.
Further fuelling the audience’s intrigue, Michelle recalls an incident from Season 2 when Lacy’s lawyer issued her a cease and desist notice. “Just a reminder, this is the same woman who had her lawyer send me a cease and desist,” she warns, as clips from the earlier season play in the background. This reminder illustrates the frosty history the two women share.
Despite the tension, Lala tries to ease the situation by commenting on Lacy’s appearance, describing her as having a “banging body.” However, this comment fails to lift Michelle’s spirits, to which she replies, “She’s just not my cup of tea.”
The awkwardness is set against the backdrop of Michelle and Jesse’s high-profile separation, which has been a focal point of the show’s narrative. The couple’s split was made public on 16 October 2023, leading to their official divorce proceedings that commenced in March 2024. They have since resolved their divorce in October 2025, a journey that has been fraught with emotional challenges—and has captivated audiences throughout the show.
In previous episodes, viewers witnessed the fallout of their relationship, including heated discussions regarding co-parenting their daughter, Isabella, and the complexities inherent in starting new relationships. Jesse has previously addressed his decision to keep Lacy out of the spotlight during Season 2, citing their new relationship and the impact of filming amid his ongoing divorce.
“We had just started a new relationship, and it’s hard enough going through a divorce in private,” Jesse explained in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “For the health of [his daughter], we just decided it probably wasn’t best.”
Today, however, his relationship with Lacy is far more public, with the couple having made a red carpet appearance together in April 2024. Jesse has also shared that Lacy forms a significant influence in Isabella’s life, stating, “She’s an incredible influence on my daughter, which is one of the reasons I introduced her to my daughter.”
As the drama unfolds in Season 3, The Valley continues to shine a light on the complexities of relationships, heartache, and the ever-challenging landscape of co-parenting. The premiere promises to captivate audiences with its potent mix of tension, emotions, and unresolved conflicts.
Fans can catch the season premiere of The Valley on Wednesday, 1 April at 8 p.m. ET, as it delves deeper into the intricate lives of its cast members. The upcoming episodes are sure to keep viewers glued to their screens as stories of love, rivalry, and personal growth are interwoven amidst the glitz and glamour of reality television.