Is Shannon Beador about to lose her full-time orange? According to a new rumor, the “Real Housewives of Orange County” star may be demoted to “friend of” status next season as producers consider bringing Alexis Bellino back to the main cast.
Rumors Swirl About Shannon Beador’s Future On RHOC
Last season, Bellino clashed with Beador after beginning a romance with Beador’s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen. Fans were divided, but Bellino seemed to gain momentum among viewers while Beador struggled to navigate conflicts both on and off camera. Gretchen Rossi later stepped into Alexis’ “friend” role, leaving the RHOC vet increasingly isolated.
A source told Bravo and Cocktails that production is eager to shake up the cast before season 20, which will mark the show’s landmark anniversary. “Ahead of RHOC’s landmark 20th season, producers have begun eyeing a full-time return for Alexis Bellino to spotlight her pre- and post-marital journey with John Janssen,” said the insider. “The move comes after last year’s decision to side with Shannon over Alexis, which is a choice executives now view differently, as Shannon has been increasingly difficult to film with.”
The source added, “Ideally, Alexis will join Tamra, Heather, Gina, Emily, and Jen [full-time]. Gretchen Rossi is expected to appear as a ‘friend of,’ alongside a new cast member tied to Heather and Gretchen’s Newport social circle. Executives still plan to invite Shannon back in a reduced ‘friend’ capacity, though they are prepared to move forward without her if she declines.”
Legacy housewives are also expected to be part of season 20 celebrations, with names like Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough, Kimberly Bryant, Jo De La Rosa, and Lauri Peterson on the invite list.
RHOC Star Opens Up About Where She Stands With Tamra Judge Today
While Beador battles uncertainty about her future on RHOC, she also remains locked in conflict with Tamra Judge. The two briefly reconciled during the season 18 reunion, but the truce didn’t last long.
“I’m in a place right now where I think I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” she shared on the “RHOC After Show” during season 19, episode 10. “And she [Tamra] has not been a part of my life. There was a lot of walking on eggshells in our friendship.”
Judge, meanwhile, looked back on their relationship with mixed emotions. She admitted that Beador was once her “go-to friend,” but added that “it takes a lot to be friends with Shannon.”
Beador pushed back on Judge’s claims. “When she describes what our friendship was, I feel like I’m in the ‘Twilight Zone,’” she said. “In my eyes, she’s describing how I was towards her. Like she’ll say, ‘You’ve never had a better friend than me.’ She wouldn’t even return calls.”
The tension boiled over during a trip to Temecula, where Beador accused Judge of failing to take accountability for her low blows. Judge fired back, claiming Beador “sucks the life out of her.” Whether the two can repair their fractured friendship remains to be seen as season 19 continues.
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” airs Thursday nights at 9 PM EST on Bravo.
