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Credit: Instagram
Alexis Bellino has confirmed she will not be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County for its upcoming 19th season.
Just days after it was revealed that the Bravo reality series’ recently aired 18th season had captured its highest ratings in five years, Alexis, 47, announced on a podcast that she was not asked to return to the show for its new episodes as she admitted to being hopeful that she would be able to reprise her role amid her engagement to John Janssen, 61, the ex-boyfriend of her castmate, Shannon Beador, 60.
“I am not asked back next season. I am not asked back,” Alexis confirmed on the December 20 episode of the Going Rogue podcast, via Reality Entertainment TV on X. “[I got] a phone call, which, and I have a very good relationship with him, [producer] Alex Baskin, obviously, he’s my boss, and it was a hard conversation, [But] I can’t say it came as a shock.”
Although Alexis first said the call was not a shock, she revealed she wasn’t “really prepared” to be fired.
“I didn’t think contracts were coming out — like, I thought we had more time — so I thought he was calling to check in,” she explained. “[But] I was [not] shocked about that information because what are they gonna do? I didn’t know … how do I fit in?”
According to Alexis, who faced backlash for her harsh treatment of Shannon amid her romance with John, she didn’t know how her producers would incorporate her back into the group, despite her friendships with some of the cast.
“I am very good friends with [Katie Ginella] and [Jennifer Pedranti] still, [and] I’m working through it with [Heather Dubrow] and [Tamra Judge]. I still thought there might be a way they [could] make it work for everybody to come back,” she reasoned. “But you know, the cards played the way they did, and how do they bring someone back who is not a fan favorite vs. the fan favorite?”
Following her podcast announcement regarding her exit, Alexis took to her Instagram page with a message for her fans and followers.
“When one door closes, another one opens. Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.’ Love my girls and wishing them the best season yet. Comments are on now. Please be respectful of my kids reading your hate,” she wrote, adding a hashtag for “be kind.”
Right away, a number of social media users weighed in, one of whom called Alexis out for her behavior on season 18.
“Since we’re considering the kids’ feelings reading this.. Did you take into consideration that Shannon’s KIDS would be watching the show?” one person asked. “Goodbye Alexis.”
“The door is open for Shannon Beador tho,” wrote another.
“No hate, but just interested in seeing how this relationship plays out without the cameras or needing to prove points,” shared a third.
And a fourth asked, “Aww did she just [lose] her career lol?”
As RHOC fans may have heard, Alexis was said to be on the chopping block after season 18 due to the audience’s reaction to her behavior back in October. A short time later, Shannon confirmed she was not willing to film with Alexis for future seasons of the show.
Before returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County for season 18 as a “friend,” Alexis was featured in a full-time role on seasons five through eight.
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