RHOC Season 20 Fallout Heats Up: Jacqueline Laurita in Talks; Vicki Gunvalson Confirmed to Return
In a developing entertainment update, Jacqueline Laurita, the former Real Housewives of New Jersey star, has been approached about joining The Real Housewives of Orange County as the franchise gears up for its 20th season. Insiders say Laurita remains a leading candidate, but no agreement has been reached.
Separately, the OC’s veteran force Vicki Gunvalson – widely referred to as the OG of the OC – has been invited back as a full-time cast member for Season 20. The comeback was publicly acknowledged at BravoCon last month, signaling a major shift for the long-running series.
Season 19 has just wrapped filming, and while fans await official confirmations, one headline remains clear: Gunvalson’s return marks a full-circle moment for a show that helped launch the franchise nearly two decades ago.
Laurita’s candidacy has been echoed by multiple insiders. A source told Radar that she “has been approached several times about joining the cast of RHOC Season 20,” though a final deal has not been reached. The final decision, according to insiders, will depend on a range of factors.
For longtime viewers, the possibility isn’t far-fetched. Laurita departed Real housewives of New Jersey after Season 7 and has since relocated to California, placing her in closer proximity to Orange County’s production hub.
Where RHOC Stands Ahead of Season 20
At this stage,no official cast lineup has been announced beyond Gunvalson’s confirmed return. A source cautioned that “no one aside from Vicki has been officially cast, and discussions remain in flux.”
Bravo has yet to release a formal Season 20 roster,with producers weighing cast chemistry,contracts,and scheduling ahead of the anticipated air date next year.
Vicki Gunvalson’s Return: A Breakthrough Moment
Gunvalson’s reunion with RHOC was publicly celebrated at BravoCon, where executive producer Andy Cohen asked whether she would return as a Housewife for Season 20. Gunvalson answered affirmatively, signaling a notable re-entry for a foundational member of the franchise.
Her 2020 departure closed a chapter, but BravoCon underscored the show’s enduring appeal to veteran stars who helped build the series from its inception.
Current Cast Dynamics
Season 19 highlighted a lineup that included Tamra judge, Shannon beador, Heather dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Katie Ginella, with gretchen Rossi appearing as a “friend of” the Housewives. Insiders note that, aside from Gunvalson, no official casting decisions have been finalized for Season 20.
“No one aside from Vicki has been officially ‘cast’ on the show at this time,” a source emphasized, adding that overall decisions remain unsettled as producers weigh options.
At a Glance: Season 20 Timeline and Cast Dynamics
| Item | Current status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline Laurita | Approached for S20 | Multiple discussions reported; no deal yet. |
| Vicki Gunvalson | Confirmed full-time return | Announced at BravoCon; OG of the OC returns. |
| current cast status | Undecided | No official lineup finalized. |
| Season 20 air date | Next year | Production and scheduling ongoing. |
| Season 19 wrap | completed | Cast included Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella; Gretchen Rossi as a friend. |
As the network weighs potential shakeups,the evolving RHOC roster reflects broader Bravo strategies: balancing familiar powerhouses with fresh energy to keep The Real Housewives of Orange County relevant in a competitive reality-TV landscape. For context on how Bravo handles cast changes and season planning, see the official RHOC page on Bravo and the show’s encyclopedic background.
External context: RHOC on Bravo • The Real Housewives of Orange County – Wikipedia
Evergreen Outlook for Fans and Networks
- Cross-franchise interest remains a potent driver of audience engagement, with veteran stars exploring new chapters and potential crossovers fueling conversation.
- Geographic proximity and scheduling considerations continue to shape casting decisions for Southern California productions.
- Season 20’s success will hinge on a thoughtful blend of familiar faces and fresh dynamics that resonate with both longtime followers and newcomers.
Reader Questions
Would you welcome Jacqueline Laurita to RHOC Season 20? Do you think Vicki Gunvalson’s return will boost the show’s chemistry and ratings?
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