Erika Jayne explains why RHOBH co-stars haven't met her new man

Erika Jayne is opening up about her new romance with John 'Shrek' McPhee, telling Us Weekly that her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-stars haven't met him yet.

She explained to Us Weekly that she likes keeping the relationship out of the spotlight, noting that she values privacy because public scrutiny can strain a relationship. The 54-year-old entertainer is estranged from her husband, Tom Girardi, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzlement as part of the fallout surrounding their high-profile marriage.

Jayne said she would prefer to keep the relationship in its own sphere, away from the glare of her public life, describing the goal as keeping something special and separate if possible.

On Watch What Happens Live, Jayne disclosed that she and McPhee have been dating for six months, after meeting in London earlier this year. McPhee, who has his own reality TV connections, is often seen behind the scenes and is nicknamed 'the Sheriff of Baghdad.' He has built a strong relationship with Heidi Montag and her husband Spencer Pratt and serves as the godfather to Montag and Pratt’s son Gunner. McPhee also has a sizable social media following.

The former couple’s first public touchpoint with one another came after an introduction at a London event, when Jayne recalled meeting McPhee thanks to Montag, prompting her to approach him and introduce herself. Since then, the pair have been photographed together in various settings and have spoken publicly about their budding romance.

Images from recent weeks show Jayne and McPhee in casual settings, including an instance last summer when they were photographed holding hands during a manicure outing. Jayne has emphasized that her partner has no involvement with her RHOBH life and is unaware of much about the show. He has not watched the series and doesn’t know much about Jayne’s television persona, a detail she confirmed during interviews about their relationship.

As the holidays approach, the couple have indicated they will spend the season together. Their romance unfolds as Jayne continues to navigate life after her estranged husband’s conviction and as RHOBH viewers watch the ongoing, real-life implications of her personal life intersecting with her public career.

In the broader context of the entertainment landscape, McPhee’s ties to Montag and Pratt, along with his role as Gunner’s godfather, underscore the close-knit nature of the industry circles that often blur the lines between personal and professional lives. For Jayne, the emphasis remains on keeping this relationship shielded from public scrutiny while she continues to chart a path forward after a tumultuous period.