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Credit: Trae Patton/Bravo, Bravo
Vicki Gunvalson is set to return for season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, along with five cast members from the previous season.
Recent reports indicate that several familiar faces will be back for this landmark season, while some original cast members are also expected to make appearances. However, there are three women whose return remains uncertain.
According to an insider who spoke to Bravo and Cocktails on November 19, “Vicki Gunvalson will officially be joined by Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Jennifer Pedranti for RHOC season 20.”
In contrast, Emily Simpson, 49, Katie Ginella, 41, and Gretchen Rossi, 47, are currently “on the bubble” regarding their participation.
The source added, “Evolution Media is interested in bringing Gretchen back, which explains their involvement in addressing her social media controversy, but there are concerns about how this will mesh with Tamra. Additionally, producers are looking to introduce a new Housewife to the cast.”
Guest appearances are also anticipated from former cast members including Jeana Keough, 70, Jo De La Rosa, 45, Lauri Peterson, 65, Kimberly Bryant, 58, and Alexis Bellino, 48.
Fans of RHOC may recall that during BravoCon earlier this month, Andy Cohen, 57, presented Vicki, 63, with an orange—a symbolic gesture about seven years after she was removed from her full-time position following season 13.
Vicki’s return coincides with her unexpected reconciliation with Tamra, 58, which raised questions about its authenticity. Tamra confirmed on Jeff Lewis’ radio show last week that she was unaware of Vicki’s return prior to the announcement. “I had no idea Vicki was coming back. I wanted her back, but I didn’t know. No one knew,” she stated on the November 21 episode of SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live.
Filming for The Real Housewives of Orange County is expected to commence in late winter or early spring 2026.
