Melissa Gorga Tells New RHONJ Cast to “Be Authentic,” Admits She’ll Miss Margaret Josephs

Melissa Gorga is sharing her advice for the incoming Real Housewives of New Jersey cast, and making it clear she’s ready for a fresh chapter.

According to US weekly, Melissa encouraged the new women to keep things real from the start.

“I want them to be authentic, and I want them to know not to be nervous,” she said. “I want us all to be as one on this show. I hope that they, kind of, put it all out there, and they don’t prewatch a lot. Just walk in with your real feelings and just show us what you got, girls.”

As Bravo prepares to bring the series back with returning stars including Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania, Melissa said she’s most excited to meet the new additions and learn about their lives.

“I want to learn about new people. We’ll learn about what they’re going through in their lives, about what they’re going through with their husbands and their families.”

Still, not everyone will be back — and Melissa admitted there’s one absence that will be felt.

“I’ve been working with her on the show for a really long time. She’s a great asset to our show. She’s always been,” she said of Margaret Josephs. “She’s a very good friend of mine… I’m gonna miss Margaret. I’m gonna miss the ponytail girl.”

Melissa also suggested that some former cast members didn’t get a fair shot due to ongoing family drama.

She said Rachel Fuda and Danielle Cabral “didn’t get a fair shot,” pointing to the long-running Gorga-Giudice feud as a major distraction.

And when it comes to potential returns, Melissa didn’t hold back.

“I mean, listen, I’m ready for Danielle Staub to come back,” she said. “I think Kim DePaola would be fun. Let’s all hail Kim D.”

As for her own return, Melissa says fans will see a different side of her after the show’s break.

“I think a lot of the people who have been watching the show since my freshman year have seen me grow, and I feel like I’ve grown more in the past two years than ever. I’m so comfortable in my skin now and saying what’s on my mind.”

She added, “I’m excited. Bring it on!”

With a mix of returning veterans and fresh faces, it’s clear Melissa is ready for whatever Season 15 brings — and she’s expecting the new cast to step up.