Fans rejoiced when it was announced at BravoCon 2025 that OG cast member Vicki Gunvalson was returning for “The Real Housewives of Orange County” season 20. Since the announcement, speculation has been swirling over which current cast members will also join the milestone season.
In a recent interview, Shannon Beador shared an interesting update on the season 20 casting rumors, including the rumored report that Heather Dubrow may be giving up her orange.
Shannon Beador Comments on Heather Dubrow Leaving RHOC
GettyShannon Beador recently stopped by Jeff Lewis’ SiriusXM radio show, where she weighed in on the rumors that her co-star, Heather Dubrow, was officially leaving the O.C.
“Not that I know of,” Beador told Lewis, sharing that she is in the dark about which of her castmates are actually returning. “I mean, to be honest with you, we haven’t heard yet who’s coming back next season.”
Lewis’ co-host then asked Beador if she usually knows who’s joining the new season since filming will take place very soon. “Last year we found out prior to Christmas, but I think there have been some years — we typically film the beginning of February, and there have been some years where we found out right beforehand.”
Rumors began swirling that Dubrow might not only be leaving RHOC, but could also be trading her orange for a diamond by joining the ladies of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Those rumors heated up when she shared New Year’s photos captioned, “Excited for what the new year may bring !!! 💎💎💎✨✨✨ #LFG #2026.”
Adding to that speculation, her husband Terry Dubrow fanned the flames in the comments, writing, “Diamonds are forever.”
Who’s in & Who’s out for RHOC Season 20
GettyAlthough Beador didn’t spill any news on who will be a part of the 20th season of RHOC, a report by Bravo and Cocktails shared that five returning cast members will officially join Gunvalson, while three O.C. stars are “on the bubble.”
The five RHOC stars set to return include Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, and Jennifer Pedranti. While this suggests Dubrow may not be leaving Orange County after all, it still leaves the door open for a possible move, given that RHOBH is currently airing season 15, and she could very much join in on the fun once the season wraps.
According to the outlet, three cast members remain up in the air for season 20: Emily Simpson, Katie Ginella, and Gretchen Rossi, who appeared as a friend of the cast for season 19.
“Producers are also looking to add one brand-new Housewife to the ensemble,” the report also read. This news is particularly intriguing, as former RHONJ star Jacqueline Laurita has reportedly been approached by Bravo about joining the RHOC cast.
Laurita and her family now call Orange County home, and she’s even shared photos on Instagram hanging out with Rossi, Slade Smiley, and Pedranti.
