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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Orange County

Tamra, Shannon, Heather, Katie, and Jennifer Have *Thoughts* on Gretchen Returning to RHOC

Gretchen Rossi is officially returning to RHOC as a friend for Season 19. Find out how her castmates, including Gina Kirschenheiter and Emily Simpson, feel. 

By Shannon Raphael

In case you missed it, 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.

Gretchen, who last appeared on the show on Season 8, joins returning cast members Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Storms Beador, Katie GinellaJennifer Pedranti, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson.

After the news became public on January 29, several orange holders welcomed Gretchen back into the cast on social media — including her former frenemy, Tamra. 

Once the cast list was confirmed, Tamra reacted to Gretchen's return by sharing a photo of herself on Instagram. "I guess it’s time to dust off those friendship bracelets… my bestie’s back," she wrote in the caption of the post. 

She also tagged the location of her post as Bass Lake — which longtime RHOC fans will remember from Tamra asking Gretchen, "Did you go to Bass Lake?" on Season 4. 

Tamra vs. Gretchen- A Glimpse Back

Shannon Storms Beador's reaction to Gretchen Rossi's RHOC return

Tamra wasn't the only one who had some emotions about Gretchen's return to the cast. Shannon, who joined RHOC after Gretchen left, shared a photo she took with the mom of one on her feed.

"Welcome [Gretchen Rossi]," she wrote. 

In the comments, Gretchen responded, "Ahh thank you Shannon! Look forward to a great season and finally getting to film with you!"

How Vicki Gunvalson feels about Gretchen returning to RHOC

RHOC alum Vicki Gunvalson also shared some love for Gretchen in the comments section of Shannon's post. 

"This is Great news!! Congratulations," Vicki shared. 

Jennifer Pedranti's response to Gretchen Rossi joining RHOC Season 19

Jennifer commented, "So excited for this!" and she also shared a photo of her posing alongside Katie and Gretchen on her Instagram Stories (which Katie re-posted).

She showed her approval for the casting news by adding a simple "Yes" message over the photo. Jennifer posted a video of the three on her feed and wrote, "Happy."

Heather Dubrow's reaction to Gretchen Rossi being back on RHOC

Heather, who did previously appear on RHOC with Gretchen, posted a carousel of throwback photos of the pair from the last time they shared the screen together. 

"Welcome Back [Gretchen Rossi] !" she wrote. "Swipe for some fun memories… and some bad hair. And away we go..."

Gina Kirschenheiter and Emily Simpson react to Gretchen Rossi's RHOC Season 19 comeback

Gina posted an Instagram in which she shared her take on Gretchen's return, writing, "Welcome back... New friend."

Emily shared in the comments, "You forgot to add that you made this only AFTER I texted you." 

Even Gretchen got in on the fun in the comments, adding, "Haha! You are seriously so funny! Look forward to laughing this season together."

Everything we know about RHOC Season 19

In addition to the aforementioned cast list, it's been confirmed that production will begin on Season 19 in late January 2025.

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

Gretchen Rossi wearing a purple onsie in front of a wreath

Find out what Gretchen's been up to since she last appeared on RHOC

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