After a scandalous shakeup of the RHOC cast, fan-favorites Kelly, Shannon, Gina, Emily and Braunwyn are all said to be confirmed to return next season.
The Sun Online can exclusively reveal that the five ladies will be back for season 15 of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County after the messy departure of longtime stars Tamra Judge, 52, and Vicki Gunvalson, 57.
Shannon Beador, 55, Gina Kirschenheiter, 35, Kelly Dodd, 44, Emily Simpson, 44, and Braunwyn Windham-Burke, 42, will all be back to stir up the TV drama.
A cast insider confirmed the news to The Sun Online: “It’s now safe to say all of them will be returning to the show next season.”
“Viewers love Shannon and everything she went through with the divorce and weight issues. She’s so relatable,” the source also revealed.
“She’s become synonymous with the brand and has solidified her place on the cast.”
Kelly – who joined the cast in season 11 – and her drama-filled antics on the show kept her alive for the new season: “Kelly knows how to keep herself relevant and keep people talking,” the insider said.
New girl Gina – who came onto the series last season as Kelly’s ally – is a “favorite” among the producers who find the blonde star “extremely relatable,” the source claimed.
A lot of viewers identified with the emotional struggle Gina endured during her divorce with estranged husband Matt – who was arrested for domestic violence but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
“Producers, co-stars and the viewers are really rooting for her to succeed,” the show insider added.
The confirmation comes just after the tumultuous exit of the shows longtime star’s Tamra and Vicki.
The ‘OG in OC’ announced on Instagram earlier this month she was not going to return to the series she’s called home since season one after being offered a demoted “friend” role for the second time.
“I will always be the OG of the OC, but it’s time to say goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
“It’s been an incredible ride for 14 years and I want thank all of you for your support, for your love and for ‘whooping it up’ with me along the way,” she continued in her post.
Tamra – who joined RHOC in season three – revealed earlier this week in an Instagram Live with Bravo boss Andy Cohen, 51, that she was actually fired from producers after also initially being offer a “friend” role.
“I’m not cheap Andy, and that’s why I got fired!” she said to the Watch What Happens Live host who agreed she was expensive.
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An insider exclusively told The Sun Online the network wanted to demote her to a VERY limited role due to a stale storyline.
The source revealed: “She was making too much money after so many seasons.
“It wasn’t worth it to them anymore to keep her full-time.”
Season 15 of Bravo’s beloved show has not yet begun production but is set to start filming in the coming months.
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