The Shocking Cast Changes Happening On Real Housewives Of Orange County
After a tough few seasons and major cast shake-ups, the "Real Housewives of Orange County" is getting yet another facelift. Kelly Dodd, Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Elizabeth Lyn-Vargas are all departing prior to the show's 16th season, People reports.
Dodd joined the series for season 11, the outlet notes, and notoriously clashed with fan-favorite Heather Dubrow. Dubrow departed after five seasons in 2017 and now, she's making her triumphant return to Bravo TV. People reports that the mother-of-four is rejoining the cast alongside Shannon Storms Beador, Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter for the next season.
Windham-Burke appeared on the show for two seasons, while Vargas joined last season. Windham-Burke made history during the show's 15th season after coming out as a lesbian. She told People that she's "incredibly sad to not be able to come back to The Real Housewives of Orange County next year. I loved every moment of being a Housewife, and am so proud of my time on the show — the good, the bad, and the in-between. It feels revolutionary to say, but I was able to get sober and stay sober on reality TV," she said.
"That something for which I will forever be grateful. And I came out, becoming the first gay housewife in the franchise's history. What an incredible honor to look back upon, especially during Pride Month," the mother of seven added.
Kelly Dodd and Elizabeth Lyn-Vargas thanked fans on Instagram
While Windham-Burke spoke with People, Kelly Dodd and Elizabeth Lyn-Vargas took to social media to voice their opinions. Dodd, who found herself embroiled in multiple controversies throughout her five year stint on the show, called her experience "amazing" and tweeted, "The next five years will be even better. I am so grateful for all the love and support and so excited about the future" (via Page Six).
Vargas wrote on Instagram, "COVID 2020 was a very unfortunate and tough year for all of us during filming but we made it happen and I'm very proud of what we accomplished as a team. Despite filming during COVID and not really getting to know all the ladies fully, this past year has been the most extraordinary, amazing and beautiful experience of my life. I am so proud of the work we have done and the friendships we were able to build."
In addition to Dubrow coming back, the outlet reports that two other unknown Orange County residents are rumored to be joining the show. Since Bravo has yet to announce an air date for season 16, fans will have to wait and see who will be gracing their TV screens.
Viewers called for a casting reboot following the latest seasons of the show; only time will tell whether or not the refresh puts "RHOC" back on top of the "Housewives" franchise.