Andy Cohen confirms Hilaria Baldwin was in talks to join Real Housewives – as he questions how her fiery husband Alec Baldwin will ‘surrender control’ on TLC family reality show

Andy Cohen confirmed that Hilaria Baldwin was in talks to possibly join the Real Housewives franchise and shared his thoughts on her joining husband Alec Baldwin on reality television.

The Bravo star, 56 — who recently criticized Bethenny Frankel for her “reality reckoning” — revealed on SiriusXM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa podcast that he had an ‘exploratory conversation’ with the mother of seven children in the past.

The discussion came shortly before it was revealed Tuesday that the 30 Rock actor, 66, and his wife, 40, will launch their own TLC reality show — set to premiere in 2025.

“Well, we had a discussion with her about it a while ago [joining Real Housewives Of New York City]Cohen said.

“No, she’s not a new Real Housewife. I would say it was an exploratory conversation and it didn’t go much further, but it’s certainly an interesting idea.”

“But it was funny because I read that Kyle Richards had said that on your podcast, and I thought, ‘Oh, that’s funny,’ because we actually talked to her a few years ago,” Andy continued.

Cohen was then asked if he ever thought about making a show that focused on Hilaria and Alec, as well as their extended family.

‘Not a bad idea. I wonder how Alec would feel about handing over control of his role to someone else,” he admitted.

‘I think that’s a good one [idea]I think that’s “Keeping Up with the Baldwins.” Keeping up with the Baldwinitos.”

Earlier this year in March, rumors began swirling that Hilaria could be joining the cast of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills when Richards shared her positive thoughts about the possibility.

While also stopping by Kelly Ripa’s podcast, the TV personality revealed that Baldwin is her “dream castmate.”

“I have a new one, I think,” she explained who she would like to star with in the hit series, but added, “She lives in New York, but she might move.”

Kyle continued, “I’m afraid I’m pronouncing her name wrong, but I think it’s appropriate for the situation. Hilaria Baldwin.’

She then revealed to Ripa that she had a previous conversation with Hilaria’s husband, Alec, about her joining the Real Housewives franchise. 

‘I told him…I don’t know, it was a couple years back and I said something about it then. He’s like, “Oh, we’re living in New York,” but I don’t know. He said something about her in LA and I was like, “Well, the door’s open.”‘ 

However, sources later told DailyMail.com that there was ‘no truth’ to any of the rumors of Hilaria joining the RHOBH.  

Kelly also told Richards that the Beetlejuice actor had opened up about wanting to do a reality show with his family during one of her podcast episodes late last year in November. 

At the time, Aleck explained that both he and Hilaria have received pitches and also ‘[made] one or two private pitches, per Page six.

‘That reality show [possibility] It’s all been so we could stay home and just work from home. I desperately want to try to work from New York.”

And on Tuesday, the couple announced they would officially be entering the world of reality television with their own show – expected to debut in 2025.

The pair shared the news on Instagram – as the actor prepares to stand trial for the fatal Rust shooting.

The series’ premise follows the couple as they “open up their lives for the first time and bring everyone in to join in on the non-stop love, laughter and drama,” according to a press release.

In a video posted to the movie star’s account, he and Hilaria sat side by side as she told viewers they had a big “announcement” to share.

Alec then joked that some fans might assume they revealed they were expecting another child, but added, “Good Lord, no.”

Hilaria insisted they were “done having kids,” before revealing: “This is about our show.”

“We invite you to our home to experience the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the wild and the crazy,” Alec explained.

Then several clips flashed across the screen showing the couple’s seven children causing chaos at their New York City residence. “Home is the place we love to be,” the star added.

It ended with the family of nine all sitting together as they excitedly shouted in unison, “We’re the Baldwins and we’re coming to TLC.”

“God help you all,” Alec joked as some of his children ran at the top of their lungs toward the camera.

“Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have been making headlines since they married almost twelve years ago,” reads a description of the upcoming show.

In this TLC follow-up doc series, Alec and Hilaria invite viewers into the home they share with their seven growing children. For the first time, they’re opening up their family lives and bringing everyone in to join in the non-stop love, laughter and drama.”

Alec and Hilaria share seven children: Carmen, 10, Rafael, eight, Leonardo, seven, Romeo, six, Eduardo ‘Edu’, three, Maria, three, and Ilaria, one. The actor is also father to daughter Ireland Baldwin, 28 – who he welcomed with ex-wife Kim Basinger.

The news comes just weeks after it was revealed that Alec will be prosecuted for manslaughter over the death of cameraman Halyna Hutchins, as a judge denied a motion to dismiss the case.

Alec pleaded not guilty and the trial is scheduled for July. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.

In a statement after the judge’s ruling, his lawyers said: “We look forward to our day in court.”