"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is down two characters. Amber Marches has decided to leave the Bravo series, People confirmed. The reality star, who is currently battling breast cancer for the second time, released a statement explaining that her decision to leave the show was mutually made with her husband, Jim Marchese.
"Jim and I have been giving 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' a lot of thought, and given the current state of affairs regarding our personal lives and the direction of the show, we officially decided to move on," Amber Marchese said. "The show was not what we expected it to be, and I want to pursue more suitable endeavors."
Amber Marchese joined the sixth season of the Bravo series, but the reality star claimed that viewers did not get a chance to see the real her. In fact, the only reason Marchese says she joined the show is because she was "picked on a casting call while pursuing acting, and the person that was presented was created for the show."
The reality star added that she had little control over the "content, situations," or what producers decided to show the viewers. The mother-of-four told People that her on-screen fights with castmates and twins Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano were fabricated.
"Even my relationship with the twins was created. I recruited them for my storyline after I was chosen," she said. "I only met with Teresa Guidice and Dina Manzo for filming purposes. I never built a friendship with them as we were nothing more than co-workers. I wish them all well and the best of luck, although, my husband does not share my sentiments."
Jim Marchese told Radar Online that his wife "is definitely moving on to other ventures in life. Jim Marchese also explained that he and his wife did not get along with the production and said it was unfortunate that viewers did not know what was real or fake on the show.
"I think it's the best decision for herself, for her health, and for our family," he shared. "This show doesn't fit who we are as people, our lifestyle and who we are as a family. The viewers don't understand it's not real. I was told to go to a place. I was told to hit beats, so I did it."
"What they [the viewers] saw of Amber and I was what the storyline called for. The constant beating of the drum of 'She has cancer' or 'I'm being rude,' that was what was required of us. That is not how we conduct ourselves," he claimed.
Jim Marchese also revealed that he and his wife did not leave the show because of financial reasons.
