Has Melissa Gorga Been Downgraded To A Recurring Role On ‘RHONJ?’


Melissa Gorga and the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey just wrapped the sixth season of their Bravo reality show. However, rumor has it that Bravo’s moved up the filming start date for season seven, and casting reports continue to swirl.

In recent weeks, as The Inquisitr has reported, Jacqueline Laurita has came forward confirming her return to the show, while Dina Manzo recently told fans she had no interest in returning to the series. The Inquisitr also reported on Manzo’s news.

While the three new wives of season six, Amber Marchese, Teresa Aprea, and Nicole Napolitano, remain unspoken for, a source spoke out this week claiming Melissa Gorga’s role on the show had changed.

Although it is unclear what publication made the claims, Rumorfix set the record straight on October 24, revealing Gorga’s part on The Real Housewives of New Jersey had not been reduced to a “friend of the Housewives.”

“Melissa has already been informed that Bravo is interested in having her back for Season 7 and they are interested in having her back as a full time housewife,” a source close to production told the site’s Mr. Real Housewife. “With things up in the air as far as Teresa, Bravo likely will not be making many changes to the cast, so you can definitely count on Melissa to be back.”

According to Rumorfix, Melissa Gorga had been accused of being “uninteresting” and “lacking a good storyline” this season.

The following day, October 24, Radar Online reported that Laurita would be returning to The Real Housewives of New Jersey as a full-time housewife. When Laurita returned to the series mid-season six, she was listed as a “friend of the Housewives” and appeared only in a limited role.

“Production has made it very clear that they want Jacqueline back,” a show insider told Radar. “And they don’t want her back just for cameos, either. Production is planning to offer Jacqueline as a contract for a full-time housewife.”

The source claimed Laurita’s upgraded role was the result of the ratings boost she brought to the series when she returned.

“It was very clear with an examination of the ratings that Jacqueline’s appearance had a huge impact on the show,” the source said. “Bravo is certain that with her back on the show, the ratings would continue to be strong.”

For more of Melissa Gorga, tune into the Real Housewives of New Jersey season six reunion show on Sunday at 8 p.m.

[Photo via Instagram]

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