After the highly successful 18th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, which wrapped up last November, fans are in for another treat. Gretchen Rossi, one of the show’s most iconic personalities, is making her return — but this time as a “friend” of the cast. Production on Season 19 of the hit Bravo series began this week, and while the entire main cast is returning, former “friend” Alexis Bellino will not be part of the new season, according to Variety.
A Familiar Face in the OC
Gretchen Rossi first joined RHOC in Season 4, which aired in November 2008. At the time, she was engaged to Jeff Beitzel, a much older, wealthy man who was frequently painted by some of the other women as a “golddigger” — a storyline that quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of her debut season. Tragically, Beitzel passed away before the season aired.
Despite the controversy surrounding her initial years on the show, Gretchen made a memorable exit in Season 8 when she delivered a lavish proposal to boyfriend Slade Smiley. Smiley, who had been a significant part of Gretchen’s storylines, accepted, and they’ve been together ever since. In 2019, the couple welcomed their daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley, though they have never tied the knot.
Although Gretchen Rossi was let go after her eighth season, she remained in the Bravo universe, making guest appearances in later seasons. She also participated in the ill-fated Ultimate Girls Trip season filmed in Morocco in early 2023, which was scrapped following a legal dispute. Fans never got to see that season, but now, Gretchen is back where it all began: in the OC.
What to Expect From Season 19
In addition to Gretchen Rossi, fans will also see returning faces like Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson. While Gretchen’s return will no doubt stir up some drama, especially with Tamra Judge — who often clashed with her during their time together on the show — there’s another notable absence this season: Alexis Bellino.
Bellino, who returned as a “friend” of the cast in Season 18 and quickly became a polarizing figure, has not been invited back for Season 19. Despite her attempts to rekindle old friendships (or perhaps create new feuds), her presence was not enough to secure her spot for the new season. Throughout Season 18, Bellino’s antics seemed to irritate nearly everyone, including her former close ally, Tamra Judge. In the end, her time on the show came to a dramatic halt.
The Real Housewives Drama Continues
Following the announcement of Gretchen’s return, Tamra Judge posted a photo writing. “I guess it’s time to dust off those friendship bracelets… my bestie’s back ?? #RHOC #15Seasons #LongestRunningHousewife.”
While Tamra may want to crown herself the “OG” of the group, it’s important to remember that she was fired from the show once before and didn’t join the show until season 3.
Are You Excited for Gretchen’s Return?
Gretchen Rossi’s return to RHOC is sure to shake things up in Season 19. With her history on the show, the longstanding tension with Tamra, and the return of some of our other favorite Housewives, it’s bound to be an unforgettable season.
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