‘RHONYC’ Producers Offer Lead Role To Hamptons Magazine Editor-In-Chief Samantha Yanks -- BUT Did She Say Yes?

Talk about a Big Apple shake-up.

Producers for the Real Housewives of New York City are on the hunt for new faces to make famous now that Aviva Drescher’s been ousted and Ramona Singer will be taking on a more limited role, as RadarOnline.com was first to report. And they’re looking in high places to help give the show a boost from the dismal ratings.

And RadarOnline.com has learned that one power female was offered the coveted role, but she turned it down!

Bravo producers were in hot pursuit of Samantha Yanks, editor-in-chief of the tony Hamptons Magazine and even made her an offer. But her response wasn’t quite what they expected.

“The network was interested in casting influential New York women, and Samantha was on the top of their list,” said a show insider.

“Samantha met with them and ended up turning them down. But Bravo still wouldn’t take no for an answer and still pursued her.

“After careful consideration, she decided that it wasn't the right fit for her,” continued the source. “Samantha has nothing against the show and was flattered to be considered. But at the end of the day she decided to pass.”

Others making a return for the seventh season are veterans Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps.

But as the deadline approaches, producers are up against the wall to create a compelling cast.

“Bravo is scrambling to find ladies before filming starts up this fall,” added the source.