Porsha Williams, a prominent figure in the reality TV world, faced a mix of emotions when she prepared to return to the set of Real Housewives of Atlanta. At 43 years old, she shared her experiences with PEOPLE at Bravo Fan Fest 2024 in Miami on November 23. After a two-season hiatus, she was a bit apprehensive about rejoining the hit series. Williams had previously appeared in seasons 5 through 13 and also starred in her own spinoff, Porsha’s Family Matters, which aired on Bravo in 2021.

First Day Jitters and Camera Adjustment

When it came to the first day of filming, Williams was surprised by her own reaction. She recounted, "I kid you not, I felt like a rookie. I actually stopped midway and thought, 'Am I supposed to be looking this way?' In the first few scenes, I had to consciously stop looking at the camera. It took me a moment to recalibrate and make the cameras seem invisible again." This shows the challenges she faced in adjusting to the filming environment after a break.

Dealing with Divorce During Filming

Williams' return to the show comes after a two-season absence due to her divorce from estranged-husband Simon Guobadia. At Bravo Fan Fest, she expressed her gratitude to God. A November ruling granted her temporary sole possession of their former home and permission to film there. She shared, "God is good. Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, has never let me down. People will try to speak about your future, but it's already written. You just have to stay strong and know that the next day can be better." This highlights her faith and determination during a difficult time.

Therapy and Boundaries

As a Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip star, Williams learned the importance of setting boundaries during her divorce while still filming RHOA. She explained, "I really got into therapy, and a big part of it was learning self-preservation. In an ensemble cast, it's hard to know what to open up about. But I set boundaries with some of the other girls and protected myself. Being with everyone else has been a good thing for me." This shows her growth and self-awareness.The Real Housewives of Atlanta can be streamed in full on Peacock. Season 16 is set to premiere next year on Bravo, and fans are eagerly awaiting her return. Williams' story is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of challenges.