The Ultimate Surprise: Unveiling a Secret Kelly Bensimon Appearance in the Latest Episode of 'And Just Like That'

Kelly Bensimon. Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com/Shutterstock

The Bikini Book, which was published in 2006 by Assouline, features Kelly Killoren Bensimon as the author. Bensimon is known for her role as a former cast member of Real Housewives of New York City and as the star of the upcoming fourth season of Ultimate Girls Trip. While Mark didn't mention any specific names, Us couldn't help but speculate whether his second wife could be loosely inspired by Bensimon.

There are a few reasons why this theory seems plausible. Firstly, the timing aligns. Mark disclosed to Carrie that he is currently going through his third divorce, indicating that his second wife likely separated from him some time ago, possibly in the early 2010s around the release of her bikini book.

Secondly, and most importantly, this season of AJLT has already made a clear reference to another RHONY veteran: Bethenny Frankel. Although Frankel, aged 52, appeared on RHONY for a longer duration than Bensimon, aged 55, their time as Housewives did overlap, resulting in one of the most well-known feuds in Bravo history. If there is indeed a RHONY fan among the AJLT writers, it suggests that they have extensively watched the Scary Island episodes multiple times.

The Frankel reference arose during the June premiere when Seema (portrayed by Sarita Choudhury) suggested splitting the cost of a Hamptons rental with Carrie, who revealed that she had come close to purchasing a house in the Hamptons on six different occasions, only to find some excuse not to proceed.

Sarah Jessica Parker. Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Seema then quipped, “Was that reason always Bethenny Frankel?”

Frankel gracefully shrugged off the criticism, posting an Instagram video where she can be seen enjoying a glass of wine at her magnificent estate in Bridgehampton. Tossing a playful jab, she wrote, "Even after being off TV for years...AND JUST LIKE THAT...the gossiping housewives can't stop talking about me." The video also featured a snippet from her show AJLT playing alongside her.

With a caption that read, "At this moment, I am indulging in my latest creation, the Forever Young rosé wine, from the comfort of my Hamptons home, all made possible by the success of my previous venture in spirits. Cheers, ladies."

New episodes of And Just Like That stream via Max on Thursdays.