Not gone: Tinsley Mortimer (pictured earlier this month) will return to Real Housewives of New York for season 12 – and is not in ‘survival mode’ or on the verge of being cut, DailyMail.com can reveal

Socialite Tinsley Mortimer will return to Real Housewives of New York for season 12 – and is not in ‘survival mode’ or on the verge of being cut, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Reports that surfaced over the weekend claimed producers are planning a cull of the cast, with Mortimer deemed to be ‘too scripted’ and ‘not offering a lot’.

But a source close to the 43-year-old socialite has hit back, telling DailyMail.com that the rumors are nothing more than ‘fake news’ put out by ‘delusional’ fellow cast member.

The source said: ‘This is fake news created by another Housewife who is desperate to be on the show next season and is so delusional that she feels pushing a false narrative in the press will result in it coming true.

‘Tinsley is the youngest cast member and one that the core audience demographic relates well to.

‘Therefore, from a business perspective, she is a big asset to the show and very well-liked by producers and crew.

‘Producers love Tinsley because she is easy to work with, doesn’t make diva demands, and is game for anything.

She’s unlike some of the veteran cast members who are demanding big paychecks and a long list of demands such as hair and makeup, wardrobe and assistants to be paid for as part of their contracts.

‘Tinsley is a saint in comparison.’

The insider added: ‘The cast members who are really on the chopping block are those who have gotten too big for their britches and have delusions of grandeur that have caused them to lose touch with reality.

‘Tinsley has a five year contract with two years left. As far as the others are concerned, many of their contracts are up and on a season to season basis.

‘Tinsley's not going anywhere.’

The claws are out: A source close to the 43-year-old socialite has hit back, telling DailyMail.com that the rumors she is leaving are nothing more than ‘fake news’ put out by an unnamed ‘delusional’ fellow cast member (Tinsley pictured on RHONY in 2019)

Mortimer joined the show in 2017, shortly after moving back to New York from Palm Beach, Florida, where she lived following her divorce from Standard Oil heir Robert ‘Topper’ Mortimer.

Towards the end of her time in Florida, Mortimer made headlines after being arrested outside the home of ex-boyfriend Nico Fanjul, 33.

It later transpired the pair had been in an abusive relationship, with cops called to the property five times between December 2013 and April 2016.

Photos obtained by DailyMail.com at the time also revealed the extent of the injuries the pair inflicted on each other – including scratches on Fanjul’s face and bruises all over Mortimer’s body.

New campaign: Alongside her TV role, Tinsley has just launched a lash collaboration with beauty brand Winky Lux

After splitting from Fanjul and moving back to New York, Mortimer told DailyMail.com she had overcome the abusive relationship with close friend and co-star Sonja Morgan.

She said: ‘Obviously the relationship [with Fanjul] was tumultuous and it was something I would never have expected.

‘I think that what I’ve learned is that it is unfortunately easier to fall into a situation like that [domestic abuse], than you think.

‘Once you’re caught up in that sort of cycle, it’s really hard to break out of it. I definitely was not myself during that time and it wasn’t until the arrest that I was able to break free from it – the cycle was broken, thank God.

The line-up: The current cast features Bethenny Frankel, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley and Tinsley

‘Everything happens for a reason, as humiliating as the arrest was, I am grateful for it because I was able to break that relationship finally, see [Fanjul’s] lack of character and respect myself more and get out of it.

‘Everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be back in New York.’

Since returning to New York, Mortimer has dated a string of eligible men, including Chicago-based entrepreneur Scott Kluth.

She was most recently linked to disgraced Access Hollywood host Billy Bush but sources close to Mortimer say the reports aren’t true and that the pair are just friends.

Mortimer, who has just launched a collaboration with lash company Winky Lux, will appear on tonight’s episode of the Bravo show alongside co-star Luann de Lesseps – who also has a mugshot in Palm Beach as a result of a drunken altercation on New Year’s Eve 2018.