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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Orange County

Gretchen Rossi to Return for RHOC Season 19 — See the Full Cast

The RHOC Season 19 cast list is here. Find out when cameras pick back up.

By Shannon Raphael

Gretchen Rossi is returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County as a friend for Season 19. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on Peacock and Bravo.

The news was made official when the complete cast for the new season was announced on January 29.

Who is the cast for RHOC Season 19?

Gretchen joins returning cast members Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Katie Ginella in the Season 19 cast. 

Alexis Bellino, who appeared on RHOC Season 18 as a friend, confirmed her departure from the series in December 2024

"When one door closes, another one opens," Alexis wrote on Instagram on December 20, confirming her exit. She then cited a Bible verse. "'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.' Love my girls and wishing them the best season yet..."

Is RHOC Season 19 filming?

Production on RHOC Season 19 is set to begin at the end of January.

The RHOC Season 18 Cast wearing silver dresses in front of a sunset.

When was Gretchen Rossi last on RHOC?

The mom of one held an orange from Seasons 4 through 8 of the series. During her initial run on the show, Gretchen highlighted her engagement to Jeff Beitzel; his eventual passing from cancer; and her subsequent relationship with Slade Smiley.

Gretchen popped the question to Slade on Season 8, and the couple welcomed their first and only child together, Skylar Gray Smiley, in 2019. (They have yet to formally tie the knot.)

Viewers also saw the California resident's on-and-off friendship with Tamra on the show.

Gretchen Rossi wearing a purple onsie in front of a wreath

Gretchen Rossi's life lately

Before news broke about Gretchen's RHOC return, she kept her fans up-to-date on her life on social media. 

During the holidays in 2024, Gretchen posted photos and videos of her celebrations with Slade and Skylar. She reflected on the year in a video posted on December 31. 

"So many amazing memories made with my little family, but also many hard days along the way," she wrote in part of the caption. "Remember social media is everyone’s highlight reel. So that doesn’t mean there isn’t bad with the good, but we get to choose how to move through the struggles. I’m so grateful for my faith and the ability to lean on him during the rough patches. Thank you to my incredible family and my wonderful friends for always helping make life feel so magical..."

In early January, Gretchen shared that she's about to hit a major milestone in her relationship with Slade.  

"I can't believe I am saying this but 16 [years] next month," Gretchen confirmed during an Instagram Q&A after a fan asked her how long the two have been together. "Time flies. [And] Sky is [five years old]."

Get a refresher on what went down at the RHOC Season 18 reunion here

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