The roster for the cast of Season 18 of The Real Housewives of Orange County hasn’t been finalized. But, there have been some rumblings about who will make the cut. A lot has happened after Season 17 wrapped, adding several layers of complexity to the cast’s dynamics. There’s been a crime, a break-up, and a hook-up since. Could it lead to a major cast shake-up?
RHOC’s own Emily Simpson opened up about what next season might bring and who might bring it. And though she previously said she thought Shannon Beador would be back for more, she’s now not so sure if Shannon will return in the wake of all that she’s currently dealing with.
Emily has some casting predictions
Emily was a guest at the DIRECTV Celebrates Christmas with Kathy Hilton event. Teddi Mellencamp was there as a correspondent for ExtraTV, because Teddi’s always everywhere. Anyway, Teddi asked Emily to share her thoughts about the upcoming season of RHOC.
Emily jokingly revealed that Bravo doesn’t exactly consult her for casting advice. “Let me tell you a secret, Bravo does not reach out to me [for my thoughts on casting].”
Emily seemed confident she’d be back, declaring herself and a trio of Housewife buddies — Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, and Gina Kirschenheiter — as the “shoo-ins” for a callback. However, she left the fate of longtime cast member Shannon and newcomer Jennifer Pedranti hanging in the balance.
Why does Emily think Shannon’s fate is uncertain?
Emily says she’s unsure of Shannon’s fate, given the aftermath of her DUI and hit-and-run. “Shannon, I’m just on the fence about because I don’t know what they want to do with that situation.”
Shannon’s legal drama resulted in three years of probation and 40 hours of community service. I don’t know about you, but I’d watch the hell out of Shannon in an orange vest picking up trash along the Pacific Coast Highway!
Would Shannon accept a demotion to a “friend of?” Emily doesn’t think so. “I don’t know, see I would never take a Friend role. Because I’m just not that person. So I just would not do that. I don’t know about Shannon. I feel like she would lose her mind if they gave her a Friend role. Like she would detonate.”
There’s also the Alexis Bellino of it all
Page Six also caught up with Emily at the event and asked about the potential return of Alexis Bellino. Emily didn’t hold back. “I’m sorry, but bring Alexis back and let Shannon spiral out of control. Alexis and I have been friends for years. I love Alexis. I think it would be great.”
With speculations running wild about Alexis’ return and her connection with Shannon’s ex, John Janssen, it’ll get messy for sure – whether or not Shannon, Alexis, or both tap in for Season 18.
RHOC will return to Bravo sometime in 2024.
TELL US – WILL SHANNON COME BACK? WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER CASTING PREDICTIONS?
