RHOC’s Shannon Beador Explains Why She Never Got Close to Gretchen & Not Rushing Back Into Friendship With Tamra

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Shannon Beador addressed her friendship with Tamra Judge, and revealed why Shannon never got close to Gretchen Rossi in the past. The 61-year-old, who recently filmed for Bravo’s Love Hotel, also shared if she’s now dating.

Last season on the Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra continually discussed Shannon’s DUI arrest, insinuating she has a drinking problem. In the final episode – amid fan backlash against Tamra – Tamra chose to reconcile with Shannon, her former bestie. Many viewers felt Tamra intentionally made up with her to win favor from fans.

In an interview for Deadline, Shannon shared how the new season of RHOC differs from last year.

“I can say that coming off of last season, it was a little dark for me, so I am very excited to report that I had a very silly season this year,” she said. “It’s always fun to laugh, and I started out this season getting along with mostly everyone, and that was a nice change for me.”

According to Shannon, she found it “frustrating” that certain people didn’t believe she owned up to her actions last season. “But everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” she said. “I know what reality is.”

As for her relationship with Tamra, Shannon stated, “I can co-exist, but call me a horrible person for not wanting to rush into the friendship that we had.”

After a decade, Gretchen returned to RHOC as a ‘friend of.’ Though Shannon never filmed with her before the new season, she hinted that her perception of Gretchen was influenced by Tamra – and she therefore “wasn’t friendly” with the alum despite meeting her “a few times off camera.”

“I never had a chance to film with [Gretchen] because I came in the year after she left, and it was nice to get to know her more because when she was filming, she had so much thrown her way with [husband] Slade and all these people having their opinions,” said Shannon. “And they’re still together 16 years later with a beautiful daughter, and they’re very happy. So you know, congratulations to them and I’m glad that people see that.”

“So I didn’t get close to Gretchen at all [in the past] because I was trying to be a loyal friend [to Tamra],” Shannon continued. “I was excited to get to know her, and she’s a really kind person.”

Regarding her stint on Love Hotel, Shannon said she doesn’t have feelings for any of the men, but she keeps “in touch with most of [them].” The star said she’s not dating at the moment.