Shannon Beador on Why She Won’t Work With Nene Leakes

Season 18 of The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered recently, and Shannon Beador has been a major topic of discussion both on and off the show. Now, the reality star is opening up in a new interview about everything the fans want to know.

She throws some shade at Nene Leakes, discusses her DUI, the return of Alexis Bellino, the end of the Tres Amigas, and more.

Of course, the news recently came out that Shannon had completed her court-ordered community service ahead of schedule. Fans will recall that she revealed in the premiere episode that she wanted to do more than what was required as punishment for her DUI, and she managed to finish a month early. However, she is very publically still drinking.

Shannon recently sat down for a Zoom interview with Bustle, during which she spilled the beans on what’s going on in her life. She first answers if she has any “reservations” about returning to RHOC after her DUI. Shannon says, “I had a lot. But to overcome difficult situations, I confront them head-on. I committed right before filming Season 18 to tell every detail about what was going on in my life.”

She continues, “I’m willing to talk about my journey because it’s something I’m proud of. There’s also something therapeutic about going through personal issues on the show because you’re forced to deal with them.”

The interviewer then asked who she would not like to work with. This comes after she says she thinks Sonja Morgan would be a good fit for their show and that she would not want Peggy Sulahian, Lydia McLaughlin, or Jen Armstrong back on the show. 

She says, “I would say Nene Leakes. I read she wasn’t friendly and had a bit of an ego on Atlanta. But maybe she’s nicer now than years ago.”

The conversation then moves to the return of Alexis and how Shannon feels about it. 

She says, “I can be cordial with anyone, but right out of the gate, I made it clear I didn’t want a close friendship with her. Also, Alexis was let go after Season 8 for a reason. She hasn’t been on Housewives for 10 years, but I have. So, we’ll see if fans enjoy her again or not.”

Fans have been discussing the confrontation between the two in the first episode. So far, it’s probably safe to say people like Alexis being back. Many have quoted her saying, “There’s the door, Shannon Beador.”

The interviewer then asked Shannon about the falling out of the Tres Amigas. She responds by saying, “Every falling out with Tamra is made public. That’s what she does. But Tamra was the one who decided not to be part of the Tres Amigas live shows. “

Shannon continues, “After reflecting on my relationships, I realized my friendship with Tamra was nothing but toxic. I’ve buried things under the rug over the years, and I’m not going to do that anymore.”

Regarding her status with Vicki Gunvalson, she says,”

Vicki is one of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had. She’s taken care of me and had my back on and off the show. We’re even starting our Shannon & Vicki live comedy tour, which is based on our friendship.”

She also shares that she would like to see Vicki back on the show and how grateful she was that her friend filmed a bit for the current season. 

As for which former cast member she wants to return, she says, “Gretchen Rossi. We never forged a relationship because Tamra had issues with her, but I was at an event recently and spent some time talking with her. She’s actually a very kind person.”

Fans can watch RHOC on Thursday nights on Bravo. So far, fans have said it’s one of the better of the more recent seasons. However, the live ratings have been soft out of the gate.