In a gripping midseason trailer for The Valley, Brittany Cartwright opens up about the emotional turmoil she faced following her separation from Jax Taylor. The Bravo reality star, who announced her split from Taylor in February 2024 after nearly five years of marriage, reveals the depth of her fear and vulnerability in the aftermath of their breakup.
The trailer, released exclusively to PEOPLE, showcases a tearful Cartwright confiding in her co-star Janet Caperna. “I thought I was going to shatter into a million pieces if I saw him after rehab,” she admits, her voice heavy with emotion. The raw confession highlights the intense personal struggle Cartwright endured as Taylor sought treatment over the summer for mental health issues at an in-patient facility.
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The midseason footage teases heightened drama among the The Valley cast, with Cartwright and Taylor navigating the complexities of co-parenting their 3-year-old son, Cruz, while grappling with their fractured relationship. The trailer captures a tense moment where Taylor, visibly emotional, tells Cartwright, “I’m trying to be better for us,” to which she responds with a mix of frustration and pain, “You’re not trying to be better for me. You’re trying to be better for yourself.” The exchange underscores the challenges they face in finding common ground post-separation.
Adding fuel to the drama, the trailer hints at escalating tensions within the friend group. Michelle Lally accuses Taylor of lying, declaring, “I’m done with his lies,” while Zack Wickham and Kristen Doute find themselves at odds, with Doute sharply telling Wickham to “shut the f— up.” Meanwhile, other cast members like Danny and Nia Booko, Jesse Lally, and Jason and Janet Caperna are shown navigating their own personal and interpersonal conflicts, including discussions about expanding their families and addressing strained friendships.
The trailer also teases a surprising moment of connection between Cartwright and Doute, who share a kiss, adding an unexpected twist to the season’s narrative. As the group dynamic shifts, the footage promises an emotional rollercoaster, with Cartwright at the center of the storm as she processes her heartbreak and works to rebuild her life.
The Valley, a spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, follows a group of friends transitioning from West Hollywood nightlife to family life in the San Fernando Valley. The series has captivated audiences with its blend of personal milestones and explosive drama. The midseason trailer sets the stage for a compelling continuation, with Cartwright’s emotional journey taking center stage.