Andy Cohen Speaks Out About Jax Taylor Leaving Vanderpump Rules

At this rate, season 9 of Vanderpump Rules may just be focused on Scheana Shay, as the OG cast-member appears to be one of the only people definitively confirmed to return. Following the recent axing of Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute for prior racist behavior, fellow stalwart Jax Taylor confirmed that he and wife Brittany Cartwright were leaving the show, too. Taylor made the announcement on Instagram, noting, "We are excited to take this time to focus on our growing family and share with you our new endeavors." His wife posted a similar message to her own account.

The former SUR bartender has been on the show since season 1, when his on-off relationship with Schroeder and cheating scandal with Doute generated most of the drama. Taylor has been instrumental in Vanderpump Rules' ongoing success, even if he's not exactly a fan favorite, with many calling for his firing earlier this year. Cartwright joined the cast in season 3 after relocating from Kentucky to L.A. to be with Taylor. It remains to be seen how the show will progress without them, but Bravo head honcho Andy Cohen reckons Taylor's legacy will live on.

During a recent episode of his radio show Andy Cohen Live, Cohen commended the reality TV couple for their "incredible run" on the hit show, noting, "I have to give it up to them." In particular, he applauded Taylor for creating so much great TV over the years, arguing, "He will go down as one of the biggest, you know, reality stars in their moment." The Watch What Happens Live host also commended the former SUR bartender for being a good sport during his many appearances on the late-night talk show. "He was always in the middle of some s***-storm on the show and we just would roast him mercilessly, and he always took it like a man," Cohen advised.

He added that Taylor would show up to film and "he would be like, 'How mean are you going to be to me today?' And I would be like, 'It's bad.'" In spite of his dodgy behavior on the show, the TV host admitted, "There was always stuff that we were confronting him about, and he took it." Although the loss of the couple will be keenly felt, Cohen argued that Vanderpump Rules has a "solid cast" regardless and he's looking forward to seeing where it's headed next. "I'm excited for there to be a shift," he acknowledged.