Credit: Andrew Eccles/Bravo, Instagram
Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter have been featured on The Real Housewives of Orange County since its 13th season in 2018, but that doesn’t mean their roles on season 18, which could feature the return of Alexis Bellino, 46, have been secured.
According to a series of new reports, Emily, 47, and Gina, 39, are “being considered” for the new episodes, along with season 17 newbie Jennifer Pedranti, 46, and original cast member Vicki Gunvalson, 61, but they are not a part of Bravo’s reportedly predetermined “core cast” of season 18.
As shared by a November 30 report from Radar Online, Emily and Gina are waiting to get contracts for the new season and “still being considered” as possible cast members. And when it comes to Jennifer, she is said to be “in limbo” with the network at this time.
The outlet also revealed Bravo’s “core cast” as Tamra Judge, 56, Shannon Beador, 59, and Heather Dubrow, 54.
Another Radar Online report on November 30 said Vicki’s name is also in the running but noted that she has not yet gotten a contract from Bravo — and that she’s “down” about potentially being left out.
Meanwhile, a third report from Radar Online said that while the network has approached Alexis about bringing her back to the series for the upcoming episodes, she too has not yet gotten anything on paper. Instead, she is reportedly scheduled to meet with Bravo on Friday, December 1, to discuss the idea.
Alexis “doesn’t know if she wants” to return, an insider shared, noting that the former cast member, who appeared full-time from season five through season eight, is weighing the pros and cons.
“It’s hard. It’s not an easy schedule,” the source explained.
If Alexis does return to RHOC, it’s safe to say her newfound friendship with Shannon’s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen, will be a topic for discussion.
Although Taylor Armstrong, 52, previously of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was featured as a “friend” on season 17, she announced on Instagram earlier this week that she will not be seen on season 18.
“Loved spending time with the ladies of [RHOC] and thankful I got to give the viewers an update on my life. I’ve made some real friendships that I cherish. Wishing the ladies all the best for season 18,” Taylor wrote in a November 29 message.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 is expected to go into production sometime in early 2024.
