Luann de Lesseps Promises RHONY Fireworks Without Bethenny: 'We All Have Big Personalities'

Bethenny Frankel may be gone from "Real Housewives of New York," but the drama isn't.

TooFab caught up with star Luann de Lesseps on Friday ahead of her appearance at BravoCon this weekend and asked whether viewers can still expect "fireworks" when the reality show returns for Season 12. "Oh, absolutely. We all have big personalities," she teased.

Filling the void left by the SkinnyGirl founder is newcomer Leah McSweeney, the CEO of Married to the Mob fashion line and columnist for Penthouse. "We have a new housewife and I actually like her very much," Lu said of the new addition.

"It's been going really great," she continued. "Look, we have really old friendships, Ramona, Sonja, myself, Dorinda, Tinsley, and we have the new housewife, so the season is just coming out amazing. I think the fans are going to be like, wow. We're having a great season. And it's as good as it's always been."

Bethenny isn't the only one sitting this season out. After appearing as a friend of Luann's last season, Barbara Kovit won't be returning either, following a falling out with de Lesseps. Just last week, Kovit did an interview where she said, "There is no good with Luann. I had a 14-year friendship with her that I will walk away from forever. She will never have me as a friend again."

When asked about those comments, Lu said, "I wish her only the best," before quoting Michelle Obama. "You go low, and I go high," she added.

We also had to ask Lu about rumors Tinsley Mortimer might not return after this current season, as she may move to Chicago with on-again boyfriend Scott Kluth.

"You never know with Tinsley. She's back to dating Scott, and I hope and pray it works out this time around," said de Lesseps.

"And, you know," she added, "the door is always open if she needs to come back."