Rachel Leviss "ghosted" Tom Sandoval in an effort to move on with her life.

The 29-year-old beauty and Tom, 40, were involved in a months-log affair before Tom split from Ariana Madix, and Rachel has now revealed that she made a concerted effort to distance herself from the reality star after the scandal broke.

She said on her 'Rachel Goes Rogue' podcast: "I've been advised that that would be the best way for me to end it. Because if I tried to explain the reasons why I'm breaking up with him, he would figure out a way to get back into my good graces."

Rachel actually spent time at a mental health facility after news of the affair became public.

The reality star subsequently quit 'Vanderpump Rules' in order to protect her "wellbeing".

She recently said on her podcast series: "People are claiming that I said I would not be watching season 11 of 'Vanderpump Rules' ... I did not say that.

"I said that watching it would be a trigger for me, that I have things in place to keep me emotionally regulated as I watch it and process it with a therapist.

"But I am watching the season because I am very much still a focal point of their narrative. I'm not just going to bury my head in the sand and ignore everything that's going on."

Rachel thinks her podcast is actually the perfect platform for her to express herself.

She said: "When people are talking about me and saying my story for me, I feel like I should have the ability to speak for myself.

"I'm doing it in a way that is safer for my wellbeing. I'm doing it in a way that I'm able to articulate how I actually feel and be vulnerable without being talked over by other people.

"I think that's the most authentic way I can represent myself. So I'll continue watching and I'll continue podcasting."