Jo De La Rosa Reveals What It Was Really Like Returning to RHOC: "They Were Honestly..."

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 finale delivered drama, surprises, and a blast from the past.

During the October 31 episode, RHOC alum Jo De La Rosa made a much-anticipated appearance at Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian’s engagement party. The event was hosted by Alexis Bellino, another former ’Wife who has remained good friends with Jo over the years. 

Jo De La Rosa says her RHOC cameo felt like a "full circle" moment

“It was my first time meeting the entire cast,” Jo told Us Weekly about the Season 18 OC ladies. “They were all new to me, and they were honestly the sweetest. Everyone was so kind to me. Some of them were like, ‘I used to watch you on your first season.’ To me, that was crazy surprising.”

Jo was just 23 when she entered the Bravo-verse as an original RHOC cast member. The inaugural season followed the Peruvian-born beauty as she navigated her new life in Orange County alongside her then-fiancé Slade Smiley. Jo exited the series in Season 2 after she and Slade called it quits. 

“It feels very full circle to me,” she said about her RHOC cameo. “When I was first [on the show], I had just gotten engaged at 23 and now I’m married. We’re trying to have a baby. It’s very full circle. She’s a grown-up now, but not really.”

Jo De La Rosa is moving back to Orange County

Jo during The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 17. Photo: Bravo

In the 17 years since her RHOC exit, Jo tied the knot with producer/musician Taran Gray. The husband and wife currently reside in Los Angeles but are expected to relocate to the OC.

“My husband just got a new client in Orange County, so he’s been driving down there four days a week,” Jo said. “We actually have decided that we’re moving back to Orange County.”

Jo De La Rosa sheds more light on her friendship with Alexis Bellino

RHOC alum Jo De La Rosa and Alexis Bellino attend 2024 Twotscon with Eddie Judge. Photo: Alexis Bellino/Instagram

Days after the Season 18 finale, Jo reunited with some of the cast at TwotsCon 2024, an inaugural live event hosted by RHOC's Tamra Judge and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave. Jo attended the show alongside Tamra’s husband, Eddie Judge; Heather Dubrow and her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow; as well as Alexis and her fiancé, John Janssen.

“Listen, I will die for that girl,” Jo said about the RHOC friend. “Alexis has a heart of gold that I don’t think a lot of people know. John is one of the most generous people that I’ve ever met. Every time we go to dinner, he picks up the bill. He’s the kindest human. … I really hope that is a redemption to them and that people start to know who they really are.”