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Credit: Bravo
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania shocked fans when it was revealed last year that she’d be joining The Real Housewives of Rhode Island as a friend of the cast.
Recently, Dolores revealed on the Two T’s in a Pod podcast that she would not be attending the season one reunion.
In the wake of that info, an insider exclusively dished to Reality Blurb why Dolores likely didn’t make the cut for the reunion.
“Dolores wasn’t invited to the RHORI reunion for a few reasons,” they shared. “First, she is back to filming RHONJ. That was and is her primary show. And that obviously will be occupying her time.”
The insider noted that, while Dolores wasn’t filming RHONJ for a bit due to it being paused, Bravo “gave her a friend of role on RHORI.”
“But, for as chaotic and dramatic as these women are, she wasn’t really involved in any of the drama,” they continued. “She was ancillary in terms of being more of a sweet background character. She didn’t need to make a name for herself as the main cast members did, and she didn’t attempt to.”
“Due to this,” the source elaborated, “the reunion won’t be any worse for the wear without her in it, and thus, Bravo probably didn’t feel the need to bring her up for it.”
The insider pointed out that if Dolores “had been involved in a major altercation,” Bravo “would have had to include her.”
“But she was simply a friend of and a great bridge to get people invested in these amazing new women,” they added. “While it may come off as weird to not see her as she was in the season, Bravo clearly remains invested in her as a star of the network. There wasn’t anyone else they gave another show from RHONJ during the pause, and that clearly says something.”
Dolores, for her part, opened up about being disappointed she wasn’t as involved in RHORI as she wanted to be.
“I was bitter because when I got there, they didn’t let me film as much,” she said on Two Ts in a Pod. “They kept me on the bench. I was the wellness team. I got every phone call, every scene.”
When asked if she was mad that she didn’t get to go on the trip that’s currently airing, Dolores stated, “Liz was so upset. It didn’t even make sense for me not to be there.”
When it was suggested that Dolores’ role was reduced due to her going back to RHONJ, she said, “But I still could have been more of a friend, I feel like.”
As Reality Blurb exclusively confirmed, Dolores is one of three RHONJ stars from the last season returning to the show. She will be joined by Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga, with all other cast members being new.
Bravo’s official announcement followed later.
“Is BACK better?” they shared on Instagram on March 24. “#RHONJ is on display as Teresa, Dolores, and Melissa begin filming season 15 soon!”
