Andy Cohen dished on the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Orange County during the NBC Upfront presentation in New York City earlier this week.
While presenting his many shows on Bravo TV, Cohen teased fans of what they can expect to see from the upcoming 12th season of the hit reality show and spoke of more than one former housewife returning to the show.
“The new season is shifting alliances. I think you’re going to be surprised by Kelly Dodd this season… some old housewives returning. It’s really good,” he explained to the Daily Dish on May 15.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Lydia McLaughlin would be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 12 after leaving the show years prior after just one season with the series. As fans may recall, McLaughlin joined the cast during Season 8 and announced her exit in late 2013.
At the time she left The Real Housewives of Orange County , McLaughlin told Us Weekly that she was doing the right thing and pointed out that she never wanted to make a career out of being a housewife.
“It’s bittersweet,” McLaughlin said. “I compare it to breaking up with a boyfriend you know you’re not going to end up with — it’s hard, but overall you know you’re doing the right thing.”
In other Real Housewives of Orange County news, cast member Heather Dubrow confirmed she would not be returning to the show during an episode of her podcast series, Heather Dubrow World .
A short time later, she explained her decision with a public statement.
“After a lot of careful thought and deliberation, I have decided not to return to [ Real Housewives of Orange County ] this season,” Dubrow said in a statement to the Daily Dish in January.
“These past 5 years have been an incredible journey and I’m so proud to have been a part of such an iconic piece of pop culture,” she continued. “I am so grateful to Evolution Media, Bravo and the whole NBCU family for all of the incredible experiences and the opportunities RHOC has afforded me and my family. However, at this point in my life, I have decided to go in another direction and do what’s best for my family and career. Should I change my mind, I thank Andy Cohen, Evolution and Bravo for telling me that the door is always open.”
Heather Dubrow joined The Real Housewives of Orange County during Season 7 and appeared in a full-time role on the show until her exit earlier this year.
As for who the other returning former housewives may be, there have been no official confirmations quite yet. However, weeks ago, Vicki Gunvalson and Kelly Dodd, who will both be featured in full-time roles during Season 12, were spotted spending time with two former housewives: Gretchen Rossi and Jeana Keough. Weeks prior, Dodd and Rossi turned up at a Newport Beach restaurant.
Rossi was also seen with former housewife Lizzie Rovsek earlier this year.
Since Gretchen Rossi left The Real Housewives of Orange County after Season 8, she has faced rumors of a potential return. However, despite the ongoing speculation about her alleged comeback, she hasn’t yet returned to the series in anything more than a guest-starring role. As for Jeana Keough, she was featured as a full-time housewife from Season 1 to Season 5 and has been featured in a guest-starring role on the seasons since.
The Real Housewives of Orange County returns to Bravo this summer.
[Featured Image by Isabella Vosmikova/Bravo]
