Obsessed with the Real Housewives of Miami? Then you also probably make sure to watch the Atlanta franchise, whose season 5 premiered Sunday. We spoke to frequent costar Marlo Hampton, a native of St. Petersburg, who dishes about what Bravo-philes can expect.

What is your role on the show?

I am good friends to both NeNe Leakes and Cynthia Bailey. RHOA fans know that last season I spoke my mind and didn’t bite my tongue. I’m that way on or off camera.

How has the dynamic changed with new “Housewives” Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams-Stewart ?

New people always create some kind of tension and different energy. But there is a lot of the same drama — girlfriend drama, friendship drama and relationship drama — that makes the show the main reason people tune in.

What is your chemistry like with the original cast members?

It’s great with NeNe. She’s my girl; I love her drive and ambition. Cynthia is part of the “Talls” with me and NeNe because we are all tall women even without our heels. I don’t have much chemistry with Phaedra [ Parks], the attorney, but she has a cute little boy and we will leave it at that. Kandi Burruss is a successful businesswoman and very smart when it comes to her career. As for Kim Zolciak, there is no chemistry at all.

What do you think the appeal is of the “Housewives?”

It’s a group of women who have interesting lives and lifestyles mixed with a lot of drama, gossip. Good or bad, it’s addictive. Our lives are relatable and to some degree it’s the same for women at home just without the cameras following them.

Do you watch the Miami Housewives?

Yes, I have a girl crush on Marysol and her mother, Elsa! They both are the definition of mother-daughter fabulosity!

What is your Glam It Up Program?

I grew up in foster care and lived in four different foster homes before I found a loving family who cared for and supported me. So I started the project to encourage young girls in the system to excel.

Follow Marlo on twitter @iheartMarlo or for more information about Glam It Up go to www.SimplyMarlo.com