‘Real Housewives Of Orange County’ Season 12: Bravo TV Confirms Lydia McLaughlin’s Return
Lydia McLaughlin is set to rejoin her co-stars, including Vicki Gunvalson, Kelly Dodd, Tamra Judge, and Shannon Beador, for the upcoming 12th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Following months of rumors regarding the possibility, Bravo TV has confirmed the news ahead of the long-running reality series’ summer premiere.
“[Lydia McLaughlin] was last seen on [The Real Housewives of Orange County] as part of the Season 8 cast where viewers got to know the then-mother of two and wife and her dedication to her family and faith,” the Daily Dish revealed to readers on May 25.
After leaving The Real Housewives of Orange County after just one season on the show, Lydia McLaughlin has stayed busy with her family, including sons Stirling and Maverick, and her latest addition, son Roman, who she and her husband Doug welcomed in November 2014.
In addition to expanding her family in the years since she left The Real Housewives of Orange County, Lydia McLaughlin has written a book, Beyond Orange County: A Housewives Guide to Faith and Happiness, and started her own lifestyle blog, OC Lydia. She also recently renewed her vows to husband Doug after 10 years of marriage during an April 2016 ceremony in Laguna Beach, California.
Weeks ago, Andy Cohen, the executive producer of The Real Housewives of Orange County, dished on what fans should expect from the upcoming 12th season of the show.
“The new season is, it’s shifting alliances. I think you’re gonna be surprised by Kelly Dodd this season,” Andy Cohen told the Daily Dish at the NBCUniversal Upfront earlier this month. “And some old Housewives [are] returning and it’s really good.”
In addition to the return of Lydia McLaughlin, fans may also see the return of a couple of other housewives. Although McLaughlin’s return is the only confirmed comeback of Season 12, former cast members Gretchen Rossi and Jeana Keough have also been spotted with the current cast members, including Vicki Gunvalson and Kelly Dodd, in the months since filming began.
In other Real Housewives of Orange County news, Heather Dubrow confirmed months ago that she would not be returning to the show for Season 12.
After starring on the series for five seasons, Dubrow broke the news of her exit during an episode of her podcast series, Heather Dubrow World, at the end of January.
“If you’re wondering why I’ve decided to not come back, it wasn’t an easy decision,” Heather Dubrow explained, according to a report by Entertainment Tonight. “You know, it’s hard to walk away from something, first of all, that’s been successful for five years, and truly has given us so much. But I just feel like, right at this particular point in time, a couple of things [changed my mind].”
“First of all, my kids,” she continued. “My oldest kids are now teenagers, and I just felt like they need to make their own decision about being on television and exposing their lives, and for me personally, I have some really cool, interesting opportunities that I want to explore. I don’t know where they’re going to go, but I want the opportunity to explore them.”
“I felt like I was at a tipping point, and just… it was time,” she added. “But, it’s all positive and I wish them all the best.”
Lydia McLaughlin, Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, and Kelly Dodd, will return to Bravo TV this summer in The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 12. A premiere date has not yet been set.
[Featured Image by Joe Scarnici/Bravo]
