Why Did Lydia McLaughlin Really Leave 'RHOC'?
The former 'RHOC' star shares how her faith shaped her decision to not return.
Some housewives can't handle the pressure. Others, the constant catfights. But for former Real Housewives of Orange County star Lydia McLaughlin, her reason for leaving came from a much higher (and holier) power.
The mother of three young sons and dedicated wife to Doug, Lydia originally joined the RHOC cast to "glorify God." But the devout Christian quickly realized a follow up to her first (and only) season on the show wasn't in the cards, and she shared why in her soon-to-be released memoir and advice book, Beyond Orange County: A Housewives Guide to Faith & Happiness.
"As I prayed about the decision, I didn't feel in my heart of hearts that I was called [by God] to do another season of the show," she writes. "My true motivation for doing the show again was based more on the worldly benefits…I had gotten a taste of fame and recognition, and it was fun...The dresses and makeup and all things girlie were tempting."
Not tempting enough to stay, though—on the show, or the stage of the season 8 reunion, which she left suddenly, and in tears. But it wasn't just the overwhelming of emotion that caused her departure. She explains that the Big Man Upstairs was the real voice of reason in the tumultuous situation.
"I sensed the Holy Spirit inside me saying, 'You don't have to be here,'" she shares in her book. "So I stood up and walked off the set."
If you're interested in learning more about the Holy Housewife and her experiences on the show and beyond, you can look forward to her book hitting shelves April 14th.
[Source: Radar Online]
