Nia Sanchez and Danny Booko Question Scheana Shay’s Absence in Season 3

Nia Sanchez and Danny Booko expressed their confusion regarding Scheana Shay’s absence from the upcoming season of The Valley. Speaking at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on November 15, Sanchez conveyed their lingering questions about Shay’s decision not to participate, despite her previous statements on the matter. “We love Scheana. And we thought when we started filming that she would be with us as well,” Sanchez said, adding, “We still have questions like, ‘What happened, girl? We missed you.’”

During an episode of her podcast, “Scheananigans,” which aired in October, Shay confirmed that although she was offered a role in season 3, she ultimately declined. “For anyone hoping that I would be joining the cast, I am sorry to disappoint you this season,” she stated. Shay also addressed critics, saying, “For those who were very vocal about not wanting me to join the show, don’t worry. I’m sure I will find some other ways to disappoint you, so stay tuned.”

Danny Booko had anticipated reuniting with Shay during filming but was surprised when she did not appear. When asked if her absence was linked to her ongoing feud with fellow cast member Lala Kent, neither Sanchez nor Booko could confirm the speculation. “I don’t know,” Sanchez said. “At the end of the day, she’s a veteran in this world. I feel like she would still join us even if there was a little drama with Lala.”

Cast Reactions and Future Plans

The cast of The Valley participated in the “Peaks and The Valley” panel, which was moderated by Danny Pellegrino. During the event, it was announced that both Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz would officially join the cast for season 3. In separate interviews, cast members Jasmine Goode and Zack Wickman also shared their disbelief over Shay’s absence. “This is literally the hot topic,” Goode joked while attending BravoCon. “We were shocked too because we thought she was doing it. And we still don’t really know exactly what’s going on.”

Wickman added, “I think she just decided, you know, it wasn’t this moment, it wasn’t for her, maybe next season, maybe whatever. I guess we’ll just have to see.”

Despite her absence from filming, Shay’s relationships with the cast appear to remain intact. Goode, who kicked off BravoCon weekend with hairstylist Tevin Washington at an exclusive dinner, mentioned that Shay is still expected to attend her upcoming wedding to Melissa Marie.

Janet Caperna, another cast member, expressed her belief that Shay’s absence does not mark the end of her association with the series. “I think she just made the choice. It wasn’t the right time, the right thing for her,” Caperna said. “And you know, she is one of my best friends. I’ll still see her around. … Scheana’s busy. She’s gonna stay busy. She never has a calm, like, chill moment. She’s always working and doing the most, so I think we’re going to see her again soon.”

As the anticipation builds for season 3, details on its premiere date remain unannounced. For now, fans can catch up on previous episodes of The Valley, which are currently streaming on Peacock.