Luann de Lesseps Looks Unrecognizable as She Guests in Murdoch Mysteries: ‘A Real Blast from the Past’ (Exclusive)

Bravo fans have never seen Luann de Lesseps like this before!

The Real Housewives of New York City alumna and Bravo’s Love Hotel star has traded in her “Chic C’est La Vie” style for some 1912 garb for a guest role in Murdoch Mysteries — and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look.

Canada’s historical crime series, which airs on Ovation TV in the U.S., is set in the early 20th century and follows the investigative work of Toronto police force detective William Murdoch (played by actor Yannick Bisson). Based on the Murdoch Mysteries novels by Maureen Jennings, the show has been airing for 18 seasons since its debut in 2008, and holds the record as Canada’s longest-running drama series.

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De Lesseps, 59, guests in episode 18 (penned by Noelle Girard and entitled “The Body Electric”), which airs on Monday, April 7. She plays Noelle Victoria, the vivacious wife of Toronto’s corrupt mayor Chadwick Vaughan (played by Mark Craven) who steals the spotlight at a photo-op for the grand opening of a new hydroelectric substation.

“I’ve done a lot of shows now — I’ve done some scripted shows like Law & Order, a lot of reality shows, like the Real Housewives and Crappie Lake. So being the drama queen in Murdoch Mysteries is not too far of a cry from the Housewives,” de Lesseps says in a preview for the episode, which PEOPLE can debut exclusively.

Wearing a elegant coat with faux-fur trimmings and a feathered hat, the Countess’ character is a portrait of class and sophistication.

Her character’s name also holds a sentimental significance for de Lesseps. It’s a secret shout-out to her kids, son Noel and daughter Victoria. “I love my character’s name,” she says.

PEOPLE was on hand for the filming, Deputy News Director Dave Quinn playing Noelle Victoria’s assistant. He’s by her side in the scene as Noelle makes her grand entrance, all while not missing the moment to flirt it up with Detective Murdoch.

Turns out, that was happening just as much off-camera, according to Bisson.

“We had the Countess on the show,” he explains in the clip. “I’ve surfed in and out through the Housewives shows thanks to my daughters, they’re fans, and I was thrilled to meet her. And I was even more thrilled once I did meet her, she’s super cool and instantly everything was super comfortable.”

“We got along great, we had some laughs. Then I saw a bunch of pictures back from when we were on set and I was like, ‘Did we have a special look to each other?’ ” he says. “What was going on there?”

Ultimately, filming Murdoch was a gratifying experience for de Lesseps.

“I think the fans will be excited to see me in a different light,” she says. “To be a part of Murdoch Mysteries, which is so popular, [is so special].”

And the reality star, whose parents are both Canadian, even took to the show’s signature style.” The crew was amazing, the hair stylists, I love this period hair,” de Lesseps boasts. “I’m going to have to wear this, maybe in a Housewives scene.”

Until then, viewers will have to tune into Murdoch Mysteries. De Lessep’s airs Monday, April 7 (at 8 p.m. ET) on Ovation TV (U.S.), in Canada on CBC, and will air later in 2025 on Acorn (U.S.) and on Alibi (U.K.).