As “The Real Housewives of Orange County” prepares to celebrate its 20th season, Bravo fans are buzzing about which familiar faces — and potential new ones — will shape the milestone year.
RHOC Season 20 Cast: Returning Favorites, ‘On the Bubble’ Names & One New Housewife
According to a tip sent to Bravo and Cocktails, Vicki Gunvalson is set to join Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Jennifer Pedranti as full-time cast members in season 20. Emily Simpson, Katie Ginella, and Gretchen Rossi are still “on the bubble,” with their returns being evaluated based on storyline direction and chemistry.
The tip also claims Evolution Media is interested in having Rossi return — which would explain the recent effort to help her clean up a social-media scandal storyline — but producers remain uncertain whether she could realistically film alongside Judge after their long-running tension. In addition to determining which veterans will be full-time Housewives, the production team is seeking to introduce one brand-new cast member for the upcoming season.
Several familiar alumni — including Jeana Keough, Jo De La Rosa, Lauri Peterson, Kimberly Bryant, and Alexis Bellino — are reportedly expected to appear in special guest scenes throughout season 20.
Vicki Gunvalson’s BravoCon Surprise & Tensions Among the Current Cast
Gunvalson’s return became official during BravoCon 2025, when Andy Cohen surprised her onstage by officially giving her orange back.
“Yes!” she exclaimed as the crowd erupted. “I love you guys out there. I love Bravo. It’s been a great ride.”
Judge — recently back on good terms with Gunvalson — celebrated the moment, signaling fresh potential for a Tres Amigas revival with Beador.
But not all former cast relationships are on the mend. Speaking to Us Weekly at BravoCon, Judge said she sees no path forward with Rossi.
“Unfortunately, no,” Judge said. “She wants to blame everybody for things that she does. She’s accused me of things I’ve never done. I tried my hardest to move forward. She came in and could not move on.”
Meanwhile, Ginella offered a candid look at her own standing with the cast during an Entertainment Tonight interview. Calling BravoCon a “baptism by fire,” Ginella said she’s open to reconciliation but uncertain whether the rest of the group feels the same.
“It doesn’t seem, right now, that they’re open to that,” she admitted. Still, she noted her friendships with Judge and Gunvalson give her hope as season 20 approaches.
I was hoping that neurotic Vicki would never return.
I’m so pissed that Tamrat is back. How many times is she going to cry wolf?
I never want to see Alexis, Jeana Keough or Joe de la Rosa return.
I’ve watched this show since day one but due to Tamrat being allowed to return I think I’m done. Andy & Bravo allowing the bullying from that sewer rat is mind blowing.
Anyone else notice how different Shannon looks in this picture? I think she looks better here 🤔
I agree – Tamrat needs to go! I could do without Emily and Gina as well.
Agree with you!
Exactly!!!
get rid of tamara she is crazy and really looking older than her mother, she can’t handle anyone looking better than her. feel sorry for her husband!!!!!!!!!!
I will not watch season 20. Bringing Vicki back and keeping Tamra I don’t want to watch them drinking and getting naked on pool. They need to grow up
Totally agree. Vicki & Tamra are still high school mean girls and always starting trouble. Gina & Emily are yawns.
I have always like Emily till the season. Give her another chance.
Tamara needs to go as does Emily they are both shit starters and when they are not starting shit they are stirring the pot , here is what I don’t get they know that those two can’t keep anything to themselves they blurt it out when it benefits them !!!!!
Please let’s say good bye to those 2
Oh please why in the world would they bring back Tamara,she’s a pain i the a** she thinks she can say and do anything she wants. But don’t let anyone say anything about her. Then, she cries and she quits. So please stay gone we don’t need to see anymore of her
I agree I have watched since the beginning Tamara needs to go. Why is she allowed to use the c word repeatedly. She is so low class. Please get rid of her. She brings down the show
It’s bad enough they brought Tamrat back, but now Vicki? Tamrat says Gretchen doesn’t want to let things go, yet Tamrat is the one who doesn’t let go and continues with her hateful tactics. Yep, this may have been my last season now that they want to bring back Vicki, keeping Tamrat, didn’t we get enough of Whooping it up with these has-beens? Bad decisions make bad TV. I wonder how many others will be jumping ship due to the news?
Watching 60 something’s act like middle school mean girls is not funny. It’s sad. With Tamra and Vicky back on together, I will not be watching. Been a viewer since day 1.