ICYMI NeNe Leakes is returning to Real Housewives of Atlanta for season 10

NeNe Leakes is coming back to Real Housewives of Atlanta, meaning, yes, #thethreatisback.

By now, we’ve come to expect the triumphant returns of dearly departed Real Housewives — it’s becoming something of a trend — but NeNe Leakes is a particularly exciting one. NeNe left Real Housewives of Atlanta after season 7 but made periodic ‘recurring’ appearances in season 8. Then, nothing in season 9. Rumors swirled, as they do, about contract negotiations and even her announcement tweet hinted at such, saying “It’s been a long process but we’ve finally reached an agreement.”

An agreement is obviously excellent news for us and NeNe will join a season 10 cast that will likely include Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Porsha Williams, Sheree Whitfield and Cynthia Bailey again. Memorably, Phaedra Parks will not be returning for season 10, though she’ll make a guest appearance to provide some sense of closure to her and Porsha’s storyline.

NeNe announced her return last Wednesday on Twitter, with this exceptional tweet and photo, featuring a crown, cleavage and a peach — you know, the hallmarks of any queen of RHOA.

If she’s planning on picking up where she left off, we’re going to get lots of delectable drama right from the start. The responses to NeNe’s tweet alone are chock full of expectations for Kenya to go super extra this year. And of course, fans leveraged an arsenal of stellar NeNe gifs to express their delight.

Enjoy:

If that walk down memory lane didn’t get you excited, NeNe gave this banger of a statement to Us Weekly too:

"“I don’t think I go anywhere and don’t get asked the question, ‘When are you coming back to Housewives?’ Or I get fans coming up to me saying, ‘I really miss seeing you on the show.’ I’m told this daily. My fans have supported me all these years, and it started to feel like I was disappointing them,” she told Us. “I just want to be the person to finally say to my fans who have supported me for so many years: I’m back and ready for season 10. Let the shade begin, hunni!”"

All hail the queen, may she bring the drama and the gifs.