Can you believe Ashley Darby has been on The Real Housewives Of Potomac for ten years? From a newlywed at 26 to a divorced mother of two at 37, Darby has been through so much on our TV screens. “Sometimes I’m at a loss for words when I think that I’ve been on this journey for ten whole years,” said Darby. “[I’m] living in my own home, doing life on my own terms, and sharing it every step of the way.”

An entrepreneur, singer, and drag performer, Darby leads a very full life surrounded by this group of dynamic women. However, a vital part of their circle was missing this season: Karen Huger, who was serving prison time following her 2024 DUI conviction. “I just miss having my sparring partner,” said Darby when asked what she missed most about filming without Huger. “She keeps me sharp.” Darby also noted that she needed Huger’s counsel and viewpoint at times. “There are a lot of things that happened the season that I would have loved to hear Karen’s perspective on,” said Darby.

Luckily, Darby has Stacey Rusch to keep her occupied. After Rusch failed to produce proof of her divorce from Thiemo Rusch, Darby didn’t hesitate to confront her at her Second Bloom Ball. “When Stacey first told me that she and Thiemo had signed the divorce papers, it didn’t feel quite right,” explained Darby. Darby was surprised when Rusch turned what was meant to be a simple conversation into a screaming match. “I think she was feeling very insecure because she knew she was being called out,” said Darby. “As you know, when people get backed into a corner, they just start swinging harder, faster.”

Darby stopped by the Decider studio to talk about the return of Monique Samuels, which RHOP newbie gets her “Rookie of the Year” title, and why she wants to go on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.

DECIDER: This is your 10th season of Real Housewives of Potomac, which is quite an accomplishment. How are you feeling?

ASHLEY DARBY: Sometimes I’m at a loss for words when I think that I’ve been on this journey for ten whole years. I’m in a completely different decade of my life. I started at 26, with my curly, natural ‘fro, humping Robyn’s leg on a rooftop. And now here I am! 11 years later, I’m a mom of two amazing sons, divorced, living in my own home, doing life on my own terms and sharing it every step of the way over these last ten years. It’s really incredible to think about.

This was also your first season without Karen Huger. What did you miss most about filming with her?

Honestly, I just miss having my sparring partner. Karen always liked to give a little snide remark every now and again and I loved it. It gave me an opportunity to rise to the occasion [laughs]. She kept me sharp. I just missed her energy. Really, I did. There are a lot of things that happened during the season that I would have loved to hear Karen’s perspective on, if I’m honest.

Have you gotten to speak with Karen recently?

Just over text, not in person. So, she’s alive and kicking, I know that!

Your divorce from Michael has been finalized. What was it like getting that off your shoulders and finally behind you?

It is rather bittersweet, if I’m honest. Of course, I’m thankful that I have finality and I can move on. I had my Second Bloom Ball and got to celebrate in my beautiful gown with all my friends. However, the reality is that I still had to mourn the dissolution of my marriage. I finalized my divorce in February, and we filmed my Bloom Ball in April, so it was still pretty fresh to me at the time. Now I’m ready to do life as Ashley, the single mom.

Speaking of divorce, Stacey revealed in the first episode that she’s back with her husband, Thiemo. Gizelle said on WWHL that she doesn’t think they were ever actually separated. What’s your take?

I have to agree with Gizelle. When Stacey first told me that she and Thiemo had signed divorce papers, it didn’t feel quite right. She said they got the papers on Christmas Day, and I was like, “oh, okay.” Then she’s like, “we were at the beach of Mexico on Christmas Day.” Huh? Something made me start doing a little bit more digging, and I’m like, “why isn’t your divorce a public record?” Mine is. Why can’t I see hers? So, I was very suspicious.

During your confrontation at your Second Bloom Ball, Stacey called you “little imp” and “messy devil.” Are those the two corniest names you’ve ever been called?

Throwing shade is not one of Stacey strong points. Okay? An imp? A devil? An imp was kind of funny, but devil… that’s not even original. I’ve been called a snake and a devil so many times on this show. Like, come up with something else. Get fresh. Give me something better. Are you surprised at how triggered she got at your party? I think she was feeling very insecure because she knew she was being called out. As you know, when people get backed into a corner, they just start swinging harder, faster. That’s exactly what she was doing, which in my opinion, is an admission of her guilt and her lack of accountability.

Which of the RHOP newbies would you name the “Potomac rookie of the year” and why: Tia Glover or Angel Massie?

I would definitely give my rookie of the year title to Tia. Tia did a very good job of navigating all of our strong personalities and, at the same time, asserting herself. Even if I didn’t necessarily see eye to eye with her at times, I still really appreciated the way that she stood firm in who she is.

This year also marks the return of Monique Samuels! What were your thoughts on seeing her again?

I was relieved that Monique joined us again. Over the last few years, I have been asking her to come back, and she’s always said, “no, it’s not the right time, it’s not the right fit for me.” So, when the day finally came, it was like: “oh, there she is. My partner in crime is here!” So, it has been great.

Obviously, you’re very close with Gizelle. How did you handle the tension between her and Monique?

That’s really not my fish to fry. The reality is, we’ve all know each other the same amount of time. Gizelle has known Monique as long as I have. It’s just that I have a closer relationship with Gizelle. I have to respect the fact that she and Monique also have their own dynamic. They must figure that out themselves.

We loved seeing you on Bravo’s Love Hotel! How do you look back at that experience now?

I look back so fondly on my time on Love Hotel. I love the guys. Ralph is actually here in New York today, so we may grab a drink together later, purely platonically. You know, I did Love Hotel right before I finalized my divorce. I really needed to be with my girls: Gizelle, Shannon, and Luann. And let me tell you, Luann taught me quite a few things in three weeks, okay? The Countess is an incredible tutor. All of those women were mentors to me as I was embarking on my journey back to single hood.

If you had to pick one reality tv show to compete on—The Traitors or Dancing With The Stars—which would it be and why?

Oh, I thought you were going to say Special Forces! I’m trying to get on Special Forces. If I had to choose between those two options, I would say Dancing With The Stars. I love it so much. I think I’d kick ass on that show.

Tell me why you want to go on Special Forces.

I am an adrenaline junkie. I would love to be able to do all that nitty gritty stuff. The only thing I would have to work on is holding my breath. Water and I don’t mix, but I’m going to start working on that now, just in case the call comes.

Real Housewives Of Potomac airs Sunday nights at 8/7c on Bravo