Jacqueline Laurita Joining ‘RHOC’ For Season 20 and Fans Are Ecstatic!
Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Jacqueline Laurita, has been approached about joining The Real Housewives of Orange County as the long-running Bravo franchise prepares for its milestone 20th season, according to Radar Online. The potential casting development comes as the current RHOC lineup remains uncertain following the conclusion of Season 19.
Season 19 recently wrapped filming, and while fans are eager for updates, very little has been officially confirmed. One major development, however, has already made waves: Vicki Gunvalson — famously known as the “OG of the OC” — has been asked to return to the show in a full-time role for the first time since her exit after Season 13.
Now, insiders say the casting net may be widening even further.
Rumors Swirl About Jacqueline Laurita Joining RHOC
Speculation about Laurita’s possible move to Orange County began circulating online after a post surfaced on X from @bravo_joshuaaa, which read, “There’s a rumor that Jacqueline Laurita has been approached for #RHOC S20…”
For longtime Bravo fans, the idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Laurita, who departed The Real Housewives of New Jersey after Season 7, relocated with her family first to Las Vegas before ultimately settling in California — placing her geographically closer to the Orange County cast.
Insiders Confirm Laurita Has Been Approached Multiple Times
One source told Radar that Laurita “has been approached several times about joining the cast of RHOC Season 20.”
While nothing is set in stone, insiders suggest she is very much in the mix. “It’s uncertain if it will happen,” another source explained, noting that the decision depends on a variety of factors.
Still, the interest from Bravo appears genuine. “She definitely has been asked and is a contender to be on Season 20 of the show,” another insider added.
Laurita, who was known for her close — and at times complicated — relationships with fellow RHONJ cast members during her run, has remained a recognizable figure within the Bravo universe since her departure.
Where the Current RHOC Cast Stands
As discussions continue behind the scenes, the status of the existing Real Housewives of Orange County cast remains unclear.
Season 19 featured Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Katie Ginella. Gretchen Rossi also made her return to the franchise as a “friend of” the Housewives.
However, insiders say no official casting decisions — aside from Gunvalson — have been finalized for Season 20.
“No one aside from Vicki has been officially ‘cast’ on the show at this time,” a source revealed. “Things remain in limbo for the current cast, and no one is sure who will be back and who won’t be.”
Vicki Gunvalson’s Emotional Invitation Back to ‘RHOC’
Gunvalson’s return became official during BravoCon last month, when Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen surprised her onstage during The Bravos Award Show.
Addressing the longtime reality star directly, Cohen asked, “Vicki, would you join us as a Housewife for Season 20?”
The moment was emotional, with Gunvalson hugging Cohen and immediately responding, “Yes!”
Her acceptance marked a full-circle moment for the woman who helped launch the franchise when it debuted nearly two decades ago.
The OG of the OC Reflects on Her Journey
Gunvalson first said goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County in January 2020, sharing a heartfelt Instagram message with fans.
“I will always be the OG of the OC, but it’s time to say goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County,” she wrote at the time. “It’s been an incredible ride for 14 years, and I want to thank all of you for your support, for your love, and for ‘whooping it up’ with me along the way.”
Her legacy was later honored in 2023 when she received the Wifetime Achievement Award at BravoCon.
“If you watched Season 1… I was like, ‘I don’t want to get old,’ but here we are getting old together,” Gunvalson said during her acceptance speech. “I want to thank my sisterhood of all my housewives fans and friends, and my cast members that we filmed with season 1, 18 years ago. I love you all.”
She continued, “None of this would be possible without all the fans who supported me and loved me through all the s— that I had. It has not been easy.”
What’s Next for RHOC Season 20?
As casting discussions continue and fans speculate about potential shakeups — including the possible addition of Jacqueline Laurita — Bravo has yet to announce a finalized lineup for Season 20.
The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20 is expected to air on Bravo next year.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.
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