Tom Sandoval bids farewell to “Vanderpump Rules” after Bravo scraps cast for season 12

"Despite the difficulties," the embattled reality star wrote on Instagram, "I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience."

That's a wrap on the Vanderpump Rules we used to know, and the series new archvillain Tom Sandoval along with it.

Last week, Bravo announced that the hit reality series and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spinoff will do a complete cast swap-out, a la Real Housewives of New York, following the earth-shaking drama of season 11. Tom Sandoval, the hunky SUR bartender who'd been a series regular since season 1, was at the epicenter of the drama, and has finally addressed the show moving forward without him, or any of his former castmates.

"Where do I begin… I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now," he wrote on a Nov. 30 Instagram post. "The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day. From a random meeting with [Jax Taylor] while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules."

Sandoval continued, "We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships. As soon as we started filming s--- got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way."

The reality star thanked the network; Lisa Vanderpump, the former RHOBH cast member around whose West Hollywood restaurant the spinoff revolves; and the crew "who busted their asses with us in the trenches." Most of all, Sandoval expressed thanks "to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey.... Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories."

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related: John Oliver and SNL roast Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval: 'Pure narcissist'

Between production on seasons 10 and 11, news leaked that Sandoval and girlfriend Ariana Madix, another Vanderpump Rules main cast member, had broken up. It turned out that Madix discovered a years-long affair between Sandoval and another cast member, Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. Dubbed "Scandoval," the cheating storyline catapulted the show to the center of national attention for months, transforming the personal and professional lives of each member of the tortured love triangle.

Leviss filed a lawsuit against Madix and Sandoval, Sandoval filed his own lawsuit against Madix, then dropped it, and Madix experienced a whirlwind career evolution, landing roles on season 32 of Dancing With the Stars, in Broadway's Chicago, and as the host of Love Island USA. Leviss already departed Vanderpump Rules before season 11, but now, the rest have got to move on, whether they want to or not.

Related: Susan Lucci leads an all-star cast in a live reading of the Vanderpump Rules 'Scandoval' episode

Many of Sandoval's costars already reacted to the reboot, including LVP herself, who said in a statement, "The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears, and everything in between... In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules."

In a Nov. 26 Instagram post, Madix wrote, "I'm feeling at peace with closing this chapter and I'm excited for everything that is to come. I don't know that these were the best days of our lives, but they were definitely something special."

Sandoval, meanwhile, is closing another huge chapter in his life, with the announcement that Scwartz & Sandy's, his cocktail bar with castmate Tom Schwartz, is closing its doors.