Jasmine Goode Says Brittany Cartwright ‘Needed’ Jax Taylor to Exit The Valley

The Valley star Jasmine Goode is giving fans some insight into Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor’s dynamic ahead of season 3.

“I feel like it was great because Brittany needed him not to be here, because she [got to] shine and got to share her story without being Jax’s punching bag,” Goode, 38, exclusively told Us Weekly on Saturday, November 15, while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas. “But in a way it’s kind of sad because I hope he is doing better.”

When asked whether she has been in communication with Taylor, 46, Goode replied, “No, I haven’t personally.”

Goode’s comments come months after Us exclusively confirmed that Taylor would be taking a step back from the series. (Taylor shares son Cruz with estranged wife Cartwright, 36, who filed for divorce in 2024 after five years of marriage.)

While announcing his exit from The Valley, Taylor shared in a July statement, “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself ​​— especially for our son, Cruz.”

Taylor’s departure isn’t the only shakeup for The Valley season 3. During BravoCon weekend, it was confirmed at a panel hosted by podcast host Danny Pellegrino that Vanderpump Rules alums Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz would be joining the show as full-time cast members.

Goode, for her part, had a mixed reaction to the news about Kent coming on board — at least, initially.

“I was like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t know.’ I’m kind of iffy about it, because one, she’s sober, which is great for her, but for this group, we are big drinkers. And I’m like, ‘Oh God, we have a person who’s gonna be judging us,’” Goode explained to Us. “But honestly, you’ll see, I think it was good having a set of eyes that sees it from a different scope because we’re in this and she’s new, it’s nice to have a different perspective.”

Goode added, “And Tom is hilarious. I love him.”

Season 3 of The Valley is also expected to include Goode, Luke Broderick, Kristen Doute, Jesse Lally, Michelle Saniei and Zack Wickham — but not Vanderpump Rules’ Scheana Shay.

When asked whether she was surprised that Shay, 40, did not want to film The Valley despite her close ties to many of the cast, Goode replied, “We were shocked too because we thought she was doing it. We still don’t really know exactly what’s going on.”

Despite not filming The Valley season 3, Shay is set to be in Goode’s wedding. (Us exclusively revealed in 2024 that Goode and Melissa Marie are engaged after four years of dating.)

“She’s gonna be in my wedding,” Goode noted of Shay. “That’s my girl.”

Goode, meanwhile, teased that season 3 of The Valley will still be bringing the drama.

“We had so much fun. Fun, but still stressful, but it’s juicy, it’s, like, a good fun,” Goode explained. “But it’s like, dumb drama. You’re gonna be like, ‘These people are idiots, but in the best way.’ Like, funny. Good TV.”