'Vanderpump Rules' Stars Tom Sandoval & Tom Schwartz Back To Filming Without Jax Taylor Amid Bravo Firing Frenzy
July 9 2021, Published 2:31 p.m. ET
The cast of Vanderpump Rules is back to filming but without some key members.
Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz were spotted with producers and cameras on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The TomTom bar owners appeared to be in great spirits sans their frenemy and third wheel Jax Taylor.
Sandoval, 38, pulled out all the stops for their season 9 return -- which many fans worried wouldn't happen after Bravo axed several original cast members.
The dynamic duo was photographed riding around in their custom sidecar motorcycle near their famous bar on Thursday.
Sandoval and Schwartz, who is also 38, made sure to dress alike for their day back at work.
Wearing matching emerald green sweaters, the Vanderpump Rules stars slipped into gray jeans and white helmets for their motorcycle ride around town.
Pulling over for a quick smoke break, Sandoval was seen talking to producers who remained masked up.
When Schwartz noticed paparazzi nearby, he began dancing wildly and making funny faces -- a clear indication they have no problem continuing the series without Jax.
Bravo left fans shocked when they axed original cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute in June of last year over a racist incident involving their former co-star Faith Stowers.
The network didn't stop there.
They also cut newbies Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni over past racial tweets.
Vanderpump Rules watchers immediately set their sights on Jax, who has many controversial comments over the years on the show.
Fans demanded Bravo take action and fire the star.
Months later, Jax's wife Brittany Cartwright -- who joined the Vanderpump Rules cast in 2015 -- announced they would not be returning on season 9.
Taking to social media, Cartwright wrote that her time on the show had been "some of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling years” of her life.
“We are excited to take this time to focus on our growing family and share with you our new endeavors. @bravotv, @evolutionusa and our Vanderpump castmates will always remain close to our hearts,” she added. “Thank you to all the fans who have shared our journey with us and supported us through everything. We love you.”
Jax followed suit, sharing the exact same statement as his wife.
Following their exit, Bravo daddy Andy Cohen spoke out. Saying the couple had an "incredible run," Cohen tipped his hat to Jax. "He will go down as one of the biggest, you know, reality stars in their moment, don't you think?" he said.
After Jax, Brittany, Stassi, and Kristen's departures, no news of a season 9 came until April.
Along with Sandoval and Schwartz, Lisa Vanderpump, Katie Maloney, Ariana Madix, Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, James Kennedy, and Raquel Leviss will be returning to the series.