Ashley Iaconetti, known for her reality television roots, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of Bravo’s latest show, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. The 38-year-old star, who gained fame through The Bachelor franchise over a decade ago, is now making her mark as a core cast member on the series that debuted on April 2. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, she shared her insights about the contrasts between the two vibrant realities and what viewers can expect from the inaugural season.
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The transition to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island was not without its challenges for Iaconetti. She noted that there was a significant learning curve as she adjusted to the distinct dynamics of the new show. “I expected one thing but had to settle into another,” she recalled, highlighting the initial shock she encountered while filming. Despite the differences, Iaconetti maintained her comfort in front of the camera, a trait that’s been a constant throughout her reality TV journey.
“I’ve always felt pretty comfortable in front of the camera,” she said. “I’ve never had that resistance to share my life.” Iaconetti explained that her experiences thus far have not involved any major trauma that would compel her to draw boundaries around her personal life. From sharing her motherhood journey on social media to documenting her search for love on The Bachelor, she has consistently embraced the sharing culture that reality television fosters.
While Iaconetti is generally open about her life, she admitted that she and her husband, Jared Haibon, have chosen to keep their children, Dawson and Hayden, slightly more protected from public scrutiny. “I don’t want to obviously have my kids out there too much,” she noted, adding that they’re comfortable showing glimpses of their lives for now. The couple relocated to Rhode Island in 2021, bringing them closer to Haibon’s roots.
Iaconetti’s introduction to the cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island presented its own set of surprises. She was taken aback by how sceptical her new co-stars were of her, primarily because she was not a native of the state. “They cannot place you. They’re like, ‘What’s she about if she’s not from Rhode Island?’” she explained, pointing out the strong sense of local identity and familiarity among the cast members.
This scepticism stemmed from Iaconetti’s status as an outsider. “They were sceptical of me because I wasn’t from Rhode Island,” she added, noting that the close-knit nature of the state often leaves newcomers feeling like they must prove themselves. “If I go out to dinner with Jared and he runs into someone from his youth, they’ll spend forever reminiscing about mutual acquaintances,” she remarked, emphasising the interconnected nature of life in Rhode Island.
As the season unfolds, Iaconetti reassures fans that the audience will recognise “the same old Ashley”, albeit from a more mature standpoint given her current roles as a mother and wife. “I’m in a more evolved place,” she stated, reflecting on her personal growth since her time on The Bachelor. She teased that viewers can expect plenty of drama among the cast, hinting at the more vigorous, unfiltered personalities of her new co-stars.
“They definitely have a different personality than I’m used to,” she quipped. “They’re a lot rougher around the edges, a lot less filtered. They’ve got stuff going on, I’ll say that.” Iaconetti’s comments suggest that this season could bring a different flavour of drama compared to the often scripted situations seen in the Bachelor franchise, promising viewers a fresh experience with this new reality series.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock. As Iaconetti navigates this new chapter of her life, fans can look forward to engaging with her evolving story alongside the vibrant characters that Rhode Island has to offer.