Credit: Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 could look quite similar to season 17.
Although there have been contradictory reports as of late, with some claiming producers are looking for new cast members, and another suggesting the season 17 group, which consisted of Tamra Judge, 56, Shannon Beador, 59, Heather Dubrow, 54, Gina Kirschenheiter, 39, Emily Simpson, 47, Jennifer Pedranti, 46, and “friend” Taylor Armstrong, 52, could be joined by Alexis Bellino, 46, and Gretchen Rossi, 44.
According to a recent report, the entire RHOC cast is “most likely” returning for season 18.
“Everyone is going to be invited back for Season 18,” host Brett Staffen said on the October 13 episode of the TV Deets Podcast, via TV Deets.
According to sources, “Producers and the network were really happy with the fan engagement this year and all of the ladies stepped up to the plate to deliver.”
Brett went on to say that producers of the series are planning to follow the fallout of Shannon’s DUI and hit-and-run arrest when filming resumes.
“I’m told that with Shannon Beador’s DUI arrest, producers want to follow the aftermath of that and how that has impacted the group,” Brett noted. “I’m also told that Jennifer [Pedranti] is expected to return and Taylor [Armstrong] will be back as well, and I’m hearing that it is ‘most likely’ she will keep her friend of the housewives role.”
Brett also stated that Vicki is expected to be featured in the new season in some capacity. But as RHOC fans may have recently heard, Vicki has made it clear that she is not open to being a friend. In fact, just days ago, she said on Access Hollywood’s Housewives Nightcap that if Bravo wants her back, they’ll have to not only allow her to reclaim her full-time role but also her full-time salary.
“I won’t be a toe-in. It’s all in or nothing … [And] it would have to be on my terms and that means financially, too. I’m not gonna go back down. I left at a certain number. Either you bring that number back or what’s the point?” Vicki wondered. “I don’t need them as much as they need me. There has to be a voice of reason and a strong, successful businesswoman that can still have fun.”
As for the rest of the cast, the TV Deets report stated that while Bravo is always on the lookout for new women to join the show, no newbies have been selected at this point. And when it comes to Alexis and Gretchen, they have only been mentioned as ideas.
Meanwhile, Radar Online is reporting that it’s “way too early” for a season 18 lineup to be considered. After all, the two-part reunion just concluded last week.
“I don’t believe these conversations have happened yet,” an insider shared.
But that said, the outlet went on to note that Shannon, who was arrested for a DUI and hit and run last month, and Vicki Gunvalson, 61, who returned for a cameo role amid season 17, are no-brainers.
No word on when filming will begin.
