Tom Sandoval Shares His Biggest Piece of Advice for Bravo's RebootedVanderpump RulesCast (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Tom Sandoval at the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ season 11 premiere party in January 2024.Photo:MediaPunch/Shutterstock

MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Tom Sandovalhas some words of wisdom for the cast ofBravo’s upcoming reboot ofVanderpump Rules—and no, he’s not warning them to stay away froma big cheating scandal.

While speaking to PEOPLE about his role on the third season ofThe Traitors, the reality star offered some advice to the newbies, who will be taking over the franchise that helped make Sandoval, 42, a household name.

“You have to be open” the TomTom owner tells PEOPLE. “Don’t try to force anything. Don’t come in there with this persona. Just be yourself and really just concentrate on the dynamics of your real friendships, your real connections.”

‘Vanderpump Rules’ Season 11 cast: Katie Maloney, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Lisa Vanderpump, James Kennedy, Lala Kent, Tom Schwartz and Scheana Shay.Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo

Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo

“Now it’s like, people work at SUR because they want to get on the show. It’s a totally different situation,” he adds. “There’s very different intentions there. And if they’re going to be successful, they need to take the fame part out of the equation and focus on the people. That’s what matters. The rest will all come.”

‘Vanderpump Rules’ season 1 cast: Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Kristen Doute, Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval and Scheana Shay.Tommy Garcia/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Tommy Garcia/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

There’s certainly no shortage of examples to prove Sandoval’s point. Over the years as the show continued, those who lasted were the ones who integrated themselves into the wider friendship group in some way shape or form (see:Ariana Madix,James Kennedy,Lala Kent,Brittany Cartwrightand yes, evenRachel Leviss). Even the OGs would be phased out when they fell out of favor amongst the greater collective.

By the time season 11 wrapped filming in September 2023, it was clear the main group was so fractured, filming couldn’t continue with the same cast. The season’s final episode aired in May 2024.

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Lisa Vanderpump and Tom Sandoval at the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ season 10 reunion.Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty

Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty

After a lengthy break, Bravo announced in November 2024 that the show would be returning in season 12 with a whole new cast of servers, hosts and bartenders from SUR and TomTom.

“The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between,” Vanderpump, 64, said in a release. “I can’t thank enough those who have shared their lives. How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation ofVanderpump Rules."

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Tom Sandoval and girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson in November 2024.Amanda Edwards/Getty

Amanda Edwards/Getty

As difficult as its been to be away from the show, Sandoval sees the upsides — especially in his relationship to girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson, whom he’s been dating for over a year.“It’s sad to hear that the show’s no longer going to be with the same cast, but it’s been so nice, actually, to have this time with Victoria,” Sandoval tells PEOPLE. “I’ve been able to experience my relationship without cameras dissecting every little thing and not having to answer production about what I ate for breakfast and what I did last night and where we went.”

“I’ve enjoyed the privacy of it,” he adds. “And I think it’s helped our relationship a lot. It’s just been a refreshing situation to be in.”

Tom Sandoval on ‘The Traitors’.Euan Cherry/Peacock

Euan Cherry/Peacock

And when it comes to a potential run onVanderpump RulesspinoffThe Valley, Sandoval remains optimistic.

“Who knows what the future holds,” he says. “I’m obviously open to it, and I will deal with that situation as it comes up. Whatever happens, happens.”

The Traitorsis streaming now on Peacock. The season 3 finale debuts March 6.

source: people.com