After 10 seasons on reality TV, Shannon Beador is a hardened veteran. During her time on Real Housewives of Orange County, she went through a painful divorce, multiple cast fall-outs, and a messy breakup. But RHOC Season 18 has been so rough, it has made Shannon question her return.
Between the whole John Janssen and Alexis Bellino of it all, on top of a DUI arrest, Shannon is having her worst season yet. At least on a personal level. Still, tides have turned in her favor when it comes to the fans.
But, Shannon doesn’t need your sympathies; as much as she’s grateful for those who do see she’s changing.
Shannon Beador’s RHOC Season 18 reservations
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 60-year-old got candid about her reservations to keep going as a housewife.
“It was very difficult to go through,” she admitted of her personal troubles.
One of the biggest issues Shannon faced this season was former RHOC castmate and current “friend of” Alexis dating her ex.
John, who is suing Shannon for $75k for an alleged loan, has been flaunting his relationship with Alexis all around town, on social media, and everywhere in between. And when Alexis tried to get involved and Shannon shut her down, it all became too much.
“[It] depends on who I would be on the season with,” she admitted about returning for another season. “And I’m not saying that in a threatening way. I experienced some time with people that were very unhealthy for me to be around.”
“That’s important in my life right now, to make healthy choices and to separate myself from toxic situations,” Shannon added.
She’s grown since last season
Despite the rough start, the Real for Real Cuisine businesswoman wants fans to see how far she has come.
“I really was a hot mess at the end of last season,” she explained. “I was at that reunion just totally focused on, you got to clear John’s name, you got to clear John’s name. And you can see it — I look exhausted. So I’m happy. I hope that people will see that I am taking life seriously and I’m doing whatever I can in my power to better my life to become a better person.”
That said, Shannon has gotten perspective. “But really what matters is what I think. I hope they enjoy the show.” She continued: “I hope that people say, ‘Okay, she’s working on herself, so good for her,’ but I don’t need pats on the back. I don’t need sympathy.”
Shannon concluded, “I got it, and I feel strong about that.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County’s three-part reunion begins Thursday, November 7 at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK SHANNON DESERVES SYMPATHY? SHOULD SHE COME BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON?
