Alexis Bellino confirmed on Going Rogue podcast episode December 20 that she will not return to The Real Housewives of Orange County for season nineteen after being a Friend-Of for season eighteen. Bellino told host Carlos King and Roxy Earle she did not get a contract to come back despite being featured as Friend-Of. Her departure marks another significant casting shift within The Real Housewives franchise of Bravo series.
Alexis Bellino's Return to RHOC Was Short-Lived: Reflecting on Season 18 Drama
Bellino first debuted on The Real Housewives of Orange County in season four and left at the conclusion of season eight then returned after a 10-year period for the most recent season 17 acting as “Friend-Of”. Executive producer Andy Cohen publicly celebrated Bellino’s comeback initially with fans also showing early enthusiasm. The sentiment quickly changed with many people turning on Bellino after many clashes with long term cast member Shannon Storms Beador. Jim Bellino ex husband of Alexis Bellino sued Shannon Storms Beador in 2018 and Beador won the defamation case in October 2020 after expending large amount defending herself from accusations.. Bellino was also in engagement with Storms Beador’s ex-boyfriend John Janssen adding further complexities to the already strained relationships between these personalities.
Conflicts and Tension Led to Exit of Bellino from 'Real Housewives of Orange County'
Alexis made some attempts to mend the issues however tensions remained with Storms Beador primarily because she sided with John Janssen in his legal conflict with Storms Beador. After filming the reunion episode for season 18 Heather Dubrow and Tamra Judge disclosed to Storms Beador that Janssen did hear her car crash related to DUI on that September but did not attempt to check on her. The incident further highlighted existing drama between the women confirming she will not return. Alexis on Going Rogue mentioned she anticipated not returning and it was not that shocking to her as she mentioned it has happened before when she exited in Season 8 . Bellino also described her situation as “a little bit of a relief” despite acknowledging it was a negative experience because no one wants rejection in Hollywood.
Season 18 Cast Overview: Exploring Dynamics Among the Returning Cast Members in 'RHOC'
Season 18 of Real Housewives of Orange County included returning personalities such as Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow and Tamra Judge with addition of Emily Simpson Gina Kirschenheiter Jennifer Pedranti plus newcomer Katie Ginella among many others. The women’s continued presence contrasted Bellino's inability to secure another contract for new season. a source close to production informed People magazine that filming of Real Housewives of Orange County season nineteen will begin in January. All the returning actresses on Real Housewives of Orange County from season 18 will likely return. Bellino noted while talking on podcast she remains on good terms with Pedranti and Ginella though relationships with Dubrow and Judge remained tense following events shown during the last season. The situation caused Bellino to question her ability to remain on the cast because of her complicated relationships after that particular scene from last episodes as that scene clearly created divide. Bellino realized it would be more difficult for cast selection given the fan favoritism towards Storms Beador which ultimately factored into her exit and final decision.
The Significant Ratings and Viewer Numbers in Season 18 Demonstrates Impact of Series Despite Cast Exits
Despite the eventual exit Bellino can take pride from season 18 which helped attract the largest audience within a five year time frame. Season 18 averaged 3.1 million viewers with 1.6 million within the 18-49 demographic according to TheWrap citing Nielsen ratings for viewership information. This was a 5% increase from the last season resulting in Real Housewives of Orange County ranking within the Top 15 entertainment programs in the 18 to 49 demographic group in 2024 The show's notable success can be seen by streaming on Peacock streaming services as well. These viewership numbers do indicate there are many fans still engaging with the series even through major casting shake ups such as what was observed recently with Bellino's quick return and sudden exit.