Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Marie isn’t shocked by many of her Bravo TV castmates anymore, but there is one person who still manages to surprise her: costar James Kennedy, who is turning over a new leaf with his sobriety.

“I would say the positive way, James Kennedy really surprised me this year,” the 34-year-old gushed exclusively to In Touch at the BB Lifestyle luncheon in Beverly Hills. “He’s been sober for a little over 11 weeks now, going to meetings and all of that and I’m really proud of him, but that was a very good surprise because after years of taking a week off or two weeks off and then going crazy again, like he’s really taking his sobriety seriously this time.”

Vanderpump Rules Full Cast Photo
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She even raved about how well things are going with the 27-year-old and his longtime girlfriend, Raquel Leviss, as a result of his choice to get clean again. “I’ve just seen such a difference in him and his relationship,” she said. “I was just with him at Disneyland two days ago for Raquel’s birthday.”

We all know the English DJ was a bit of a (self-proclaimed) mess in the earlier seasons of the hit show, but according to Scheana, that guy is in the past. “It’s just like the best parts of James are all the time now. I’ve always had such a soft spot for him,” the brunette beauty admitted. “I love him, but it’s not even like he’s crazy now. He doesn’t want it. He sees how well he’s doing without it and it’s just a different outlook on life.”

In fact, one of the things Scheana loves the most about James now is his willingness to get back into his music life — and she’s going along for the ride.

James Kennedy, Kristen Doute, Scheana Marie and Michael Shay
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“I think he’s more creative and I think he was afraid that he maybe wouldn’t be as talented or creative without it, but he’s doing amazing and we’re actually gonna do a song together soon, too. My first music video,” she dished. “We just finished. I’m working with Shawn too, who also does some of Lala’s and James’ music, so that will be coming out soon and then yeah, gonna do a song with James.”

It seems like the former SUR DJ’s troublemaking days are over … and let’s hope he keeps it that way.

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