The drama in Orange County isn’t just confined to the screen. According to insiders, Shannon Beador made it clear she wouldn’t return for The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 if former castmate Alexis Bellino was part of the cast.
Bellino made waves when she returned to RHOC during Season 18, but her reappearance quickly reignited tensions with Beador — largely due to Bellino dating Beador’s ex, John Janssen. Things escalated throughout the season, with Bellino even alleging that she had incriminating footage of Beador from the night of her widely publicized DUI arrest.
The situation reached a breaking point behind the scenes. “Shannon gave an ultimatum that she would absolutely not return if Alexis came back,” a source exclusively revealed to OK! Magazine.
Even before the showdown with Bellino, there were already whispers that Season 18 might be Beador’s last. One insider claimed her treatment of production staff was raising eyebrows, stating, “Many people thought last season was going to be Beador’s ‘last’ due to her bad treatment of the crew.”
Beador reportedly blamed her on-set behavior on the stress caused by Bellino’s return. “She used the excuse that her behavior was caused by what the show was putting her through by bringing Alexis back,” the source added.
Despite successfully pushing Bellino out, the insider claimed Beador’s conduct remained unchanged. “Despite Shannon succeeding in getting Alexis booted off the show, her behavior has not changed.”
Bellino, for her part, addressed her departure during a December 2024 episode of the Going Rogue podcast. “I was not asked back next season,” she said plainly. “I can’t say it came as a shock; it did not come as a shock. It was a hard conversation… I guess I wasn’t really prepared [because] I didn’t think contracts were coming out – like, I thought we had more time. [So] it was a shock when the call came, but I was never shocked about that information.”
She reflected candidly on the rejection, adding, “I mean nobody wants the rejection, and no one wants to [hear] you’re not asked back. But it already happened to me. It happened to me in Season 8. I’ve been there, done that!”
Bellino also addressed fans on Instagram, offering a graceful goodbye: “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.’” She continued, “Love my girls and wishing them the best season yet. ?Comments are on now. Please be respectful of my kids reading your hate. #bekind.”
10 comments