UPDATE: Turns out that Kelly Bensimon is the only NYC Housewife who is confirmed for season three. The New York Daily News reports that Bensimon has signed on for next season, while the other women are demanding hefty salaries, a hair and clothing allowance and guaranteed screen time. So that line about “casting for additional Housewives” may be true, may be a threat or may lead to several new cast members.

Meanwhile, according to US Weekly, Bethenny Frankel is wearing a ring that isn’t an engagement ring, but she will be getting married , even though she’s not engaged yet. In other words, there’s really no news to report, and US Weekly is reporting that.

Bravo just announced today that The Real Housewives of New York City will be back for a third season, but the most interesting bit of the network’s press release was the part about “casting for additional Housewives.” Does this mean newest Housewife Kelly Bensimon might not be back, as has been rumored, after failing to fit in (whatever that means with this crew) with the other Housewives?

The Bravo press release on season three:
NEW YORK – July 7, 2009 – Today, Bravo announced that its watercooler docu-sensation “The Real Housewives of New York City” has been picked up for a third season of jaw-dropping drama in 2010. Production for season three will begin this fall, and the network is currently casting for additional Housewives. The series follows the busy lives of a group of driven and ambitious Manhattan women as they juggle their demanding careers, motherhood and jam-packed social calendars. The announcement was made by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bravo Media.

The second season of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” was the series’ highest rated in all metrics, with a season average of 1.44 million adults 18-49 and 1.95 million total viewers, up significant double digits versus season one. Both the season finale and reunion special for the series posted over two million total viewers.

“The Real Housewives of New York City” is produced by Shed Media U.S. Jennifer O’Connell and Nick Emmerson serve as executive producers.