The Real Hosts Dish on Tamar Braxton's Exit and Their ESSENCE Festival Takeover

The Real hosts revealed on Extra that they were just as shocked as the rest of us that Tarmar Braxton would not be returning to the show next season.

“We were totally taken by surprise when we found out that Tamar wouldn’t be returning to The Real,” Loni Love told Extra’s Mario Lopez. “You know, we love her.” Added Tamera Mowery-Housely: “We will miss her dearly.”

ESSENCE Festival’s Day Party DJs Pick the Song of the Summer

Loni Love added that even though the show is on hiatus, the ladies will be hitting the ESSENCE Festival on July 1. Their show, taking place on the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience stage, will broadcast as part of the Live from the ESSENCE Festival digital programming on ESSENCE.com and will air this fall when The Real returns for its third season.

“We’re gonna do a live girl chat,” said Loni Love. “We’re going to be doing everything we can to give and show love to our fans.”

Get a Sneak Peek of Buzzy New TV Shows and Movies at the ESSENCE Festival Screening Room

The Real cast also talked up hosting the ESSENCE Day Party at the the Sugar Mill in New Orleans on July 2. “You guys know we love to have a good time,” said Adrienne Bailon, “so we’re excited for everybody to come out and have a good time.”

Buy you tickets to the ESSENCE Day Party Series and the 2016 ESSENCE Festival now!