NeNe Leakes has been one of the main cast members on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, since the show began. However, the forty-seven year old reality television star has decided that she will not be returning to the show for an eighth season.

Although many of her fans hoped that she would return, she has confirmed that this will not be the case.

"This was definitely a hard decision for me," Leakes said in a statement to PEOPLE magazine. "Me and my husband [Gregg Leakes] have been going back and forth on it for weeks now. But my contract is up and I just think this is the right time. This is my opportunity to spread my wings and do different things."

It is true that Leakes has already begun the process of expanding her career, starring on other television shows, such as The New Normal, and Glee. There is no doubt that her career is only beginning.

I'm actually going to be doing a new primetime television show with a big legend," continued Leakes. "All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tell all of the one liners that I have always said on Housewives."

Leakes went on to say that she feels relieved to be leaving the show, and will not miss being a victim of negativity from the other women.

She also added that she may not be gone from the show for good, leaving open the possibility that she might make a few cameo appearances. Perhaps it is a good thing for her to take a break.