‘Pump Rules’ breakout star Ann Maddox addresses speculation that new boss Ariana Madix is leaving the show
“Vanderpump Rules” breakout star Ann Maddox is sounding off on the rumors that new boss Ariana Madix is leaving the Bravo reality show.
Maddox — who worked as an assistant for Madix’s ex Tom Sandoval before scoring a job at the Something About Her sandwich shop — tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast that Madix is prioritizing her mental health while considering her TV future.
“I’m so proud of her. Whatever decision she makes, she’s always going to make the best decision for her mental health and her well-being,” Maddox says while promoting her partnership with Amazon Alexa.
She adds that mental health is an “important” topic that’s not discussed enough within the reality TV space.
“I think that is … such a priority and we don’t talk about it enough,” she says, giving props to Madix. “I think bringing light to that is so important.”
During the explosive “Pump Rules” Season 11 finale on May 29, the majority of the cast turned on Madix, 38, for walking away from Sandoval, 41, when he attempted to have an on-camera conversation with her.
This incident — paired with the deterioration of Madix’s friendships with her female castmates except Something About Her co-founder Katie Maloney — has fans wondering if the “Love Island USA” host is fleeing the series to pursue other opportunities.
Notably, Madix was met with an avalanche of positive media attention, endorsements, acting opportunities and other TV gigs — including a spot competing on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 32 — in the wake of Sandoval’s earth-shattering cheating scandal with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
In April, Madix — who is now dating hunky fitness pro Daniel Wai — suggested that a “Pump Rules” hiatus may be on the horizon when she said participating in Season 12 would “have to make sense for me.”
Currently, production for the show is on pause as an apparent cast shakeup is underway.
While talk of Madix’s “Pump Rules” departure has increased over time, so has speculation of a spinoff centered on Something About Her — where Maddox works in guest relations.
“Oh my God, it’s getting my hopes up. That would be so much fun, so amazing, what a dream,” Maddox says of the chatter about a new show at the West Hollywood, Calif., eatery.
“But I don’t know if that came from a kernel of truth or just, like, people hoping,” she elaborates. “I’m hoping! That would be fun. I’m down for anything.”
The actress — whose credits include “The Office” and “The Real O’Neals” — says her foray into the administrative space would not have been possible without the help of Alexa, a tool she heavily relies on.
“I’m an assistant, but Alexa is my assistant,” she quips. “There are so many great Alexa products, but I really love the Echo Frames. I pop those on when I’m driving, running errands and they help me make sure that I’m checking off everything I’ve got on my to-do list.”
