Emily Simpson may not be going anywhere after all, despite rumors claiming otherwise.
As speculation swirls around casting for The Real Housewives of Orange County season 20, some fans began questioning whether Emily could be part of Bravo’s rumored shake-up. But according to her longtime co-star Gina Kirschenheiter, those reports are simply not true.
So far, only a handful of details about season 20 have been confirmed. Vicki Gunvalson, 63, is officially returning in a full-time role, and she recently shared that filming is expected to begin in February 2026. Vicki will also be coming off her appearance on The Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip before jumping back into Orange County.
Gina, 41, appeared to put the Emily firing rumors to rest after posting a video to Instagram promoting Emily’s Legally Brunette podcast. In the clip, the two Housewives can be seen dancing together to the Law & Order theme song — but it was a comment on the post that really caught fans’ attention.
One follower wrote, “Ok I’m a little upset that people are spreading around Emily is getting fired. Please don’t let this be true.”
Gina quickly shut it down, responding simply, “Absolutely not.”
The response immediately sparked relief among fans, especially as talk of a cast shake-up continues to circulate. Viewers have been actively speculating about who will return and who might be added next.
The latest name being floated? Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jacqueline Laurita. Reports suggest she’s been asked to join Orange County now that she has relocated to the area, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
With casting rumors flying, Vicki’s full-time return locked in, and Emily seemingly safe — at least for now — season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County is already shaping up to be a headline-maker before filming even begins.