Tom Sandoval Shares His Biggest Piece of Advice for Bravo's Rebooted “Vanderpump Rules ”Cast (Exclusive)

Tom Sandoval has some words of wisdom for the cast of Bravo's upcoming reboot of Vanderpump Rules — and no, he's not warning them to stay away from a big cheating scandal.

While speaking to PEOPLE about his role on the third season of The Traitors, the reality star offered some advice to the newbies, who will be taking over the franchise that helped make Sandoval, 42, a household name.

"You have to be open" the TomTom owner tells PEOPLE. "Don't try to force anything. Don't come in there with this persona. Just be yourself and really just concentrate on the dynamics of your real friendships, your real connections."

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Those real connections are what helped make Vanderpump Rules a hit when the series premiered in January 2013. Following the lives of a group of friends working at Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood hotspot SUR, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spinoff was packed full of drama as stars including Jax Taylor, Stassi Schroeder, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Kristen Doute and Tom Schwartz navigated the ups and downs of their relationships.

"What I feel like made our show so successful is that we were a real group of friends," Sandoval says, looking back. "And it's tough to recreate that now because so many people come on reality TV wanting to be famous. That wasn't the case for us. We were trying to make it big as models or actors or musicians; working at SUR was just the job we did to fund our dreams. None of us thought, 'Oh, I'll do this show' as endgame. And because of that, the cameras were able to capture something fully real, which was the bonds we had all built together."

"Now it's like, people work at SUR because they want to get on the show. It's a totally different situation," he adds. "There's very different intentions there. And if they're going to be successful, they need to take the fame part out of the equation and focus on the people. That's what matters. The rest will all come."

Related: Lisa Vanderpump Says Vanderpump Rules Reboot Will Go Back to ‘Grassroots,’ Says New Cast Will Be ‘Refreshing’ (Exclusive)

There's certainly no shortage of examples to prove Sandoval's point. Over the years as the show continued, those who lasted were the ones who integrated themselves into the wider friendship group in some way shape or form (see: Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Lala Kent, Brittany Cartwright and yes, even Rachel Leviss). Even the OGs would be phased out when they fell out of favor amongst the greater collective.

By the time season 11 wrapped filming in September 2023, it was clear the main group was so fractured, filming couldn't continue with the same cast. The season's final episode aired in May 2024.

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After a lengthy break, Bravo announced in November 2024 that the show would be returning in season 12 with a whole new cast of servers, hosts and bartenders from SUR and TomTom.

“The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between,” Vanderpump, 64, said in a release. “I can’t thank enough those who have shared their lives. How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules."

“What a thrill it is to build on the legacy of this series by doing it all over again," Alex Baskin, executive producer of the show’s production company 32 Flavors, wrote. "With profound appreciation for the original group and their iconic run, we can’t wait for the audience to see a dynamic new group of co-workers and friends make their way through life together."

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As difficult as its been to be away from the show, Sandoval sees the upsides — especially in his relationship to girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson, whom he's been dating for over a year.

"It's sad to hear that the show's no longer going to be with the same cast, but it's been so nice, actually, to have this time with Victoria," Sandoval tells PEOPLE. "I've been able to experience my relationship without cameras dissecting every little thing and not having to answer production about what I ate for breakfast and what I did last night and where we went."

"I've enjoyed the privacy of it," he adds. "And I think it's helped our relationship a lot. It's just been a refreshing situation to be in."

Related: Tom Sandoval Was Sure He Was Going to Be Killed Off First on The Traitors (Exclusive)

And when it comes to a potential run on Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley, Sandoval remains optimistic.

"Who knows what the future holds," he says. "I'm obviously open to it, and I will deal with that situation as it comes up. Whatever happens, happens."

The Traitors is streaming now on Peacock. The season 3 finale debuts March 6.

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