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The Real Housewives of Orange County cast is reportedly set for its upcoming 19th season.
Following the firing of Alexis Bellino, 48, who confirmed her departure from the series last month, and as an insider has hinted at an impending feud between Emily Simpson, 48, and Katie Ginella, 40, who butted heads last season over claims involving Heather Dubrow, 56, news of the new season’s cast has been revealed.
“There were rumblings about Katie Ginella not returning due to pressures her and her family felt during the first season, but she was asked back and ultimately decided to return as well,” an insider told OK! Magazine on January 14, adding that the “entire cast,” including Tamra Judge, 57, Shannon Beador, 60, Gina Kirschenheiter, 40, and Jennifer Pedranti, 47, had been asked back.
The cast “worked so authentically well together,” the source continued, and the “ratings … spoke for themselves.”
“It was one of the best rated [seasons] Housewives has had in years,” the insider explained.
According to Nielsen, season 18 averaged 3.1 million total viewers across multiple platforms, which made it the highest-viewed season since 2019.
Looking ahead to season 19, another source suggested that Emily and Katie’s feud, which began after Katie alleged that Emily’s children had spoken ill of Heather, would continue with “massive drama” between the women.
“A situation has been escalating between Emily Simpson and Katie Ginella that is sure to reach a boiling point as soon as the cameras go up,” the second OK! Magazine insider shared. “As fans know, the pair had drama last season over claims that, when Katie’s daughter babysat for Emily’s kids, they talked negatively about Heather Dubrow.”
Months after filming wrapped, and amid the airing of the RHOC season 18 reunion, the tension between Emily and Katie was further fueled by a post from All About TRH Podcast, which reportedly spoke to Emily’s former nanny.
“She backed what Katie was saying, claiming Emily’s kids ‘always talked about how they hated Heather,’” the source noted. “Rumors are running rampant through the OC, claiming Emily is beyond pissed at Katie and ready to confront her about this situation. [Emily] feels Katie is on a smear campaign and fueling things like this post to attack her.”
“Since drama fuels the show,” the insider continued, “it’s almost certain fireworks are going to explode between these two as soon as the cameras go up and it will almost certainly make for a fiery start to the season.”
Although the cast has “not been given a date to start filming” on The Real Housewives of Orange County season 19 quite yet, the first source said the ladies are ready to “be back” for “another blockbuster season.”
