Season 18 of The Real Housewives of Orange County will see some cast shakeups, with Taylor Armstrong announcing her departure after one season on the show. Jeff Lewis criticized executive producer Andy Cohen for not bringing Taylor back, questioning why she was not invited back for another season. While a release date for the new season has not been announced, filming reportedly began in early 2024, with Heather Dubrow’s husband, Terry Dubrow, confirming that filming was underway.
Aside from news of Taylor’s departure, it is unclear if season 17 stars Heather, Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, and Jennifer Pedranti will return for season 18. However, several cast members have hinted at their involvement through social media posts. There are rumors that Alexis Bellino, a former main cast member of RHOC, will return as a friend for season 18. It is rumored that her return was fueled by sightings of her filming with other cast members earlier in the year.
Shannon Beador’s DUI incident is expected to be a topic of conversation in season 18, as it was not addressed in the previous season. Shannon was arrested for a DUI in September 2023 and sentenced to three years probation. The cast has teased that the upcoming season will be full of surprises, with Heather Dubrow stating that truth is stranger than fiction. Gina Kirschenheiter also mentioned the shakeup of friendships and the unexpected scenarios that viewers can expect.
The cast trip for season 18 is set to take place in London, with several cast members sharing Instagram Stories from their flight to England in April 2024. Former RHOC star Kelly Dodd confirmed the cast had traveled to London in an Instagram video. Additionally, Jo De La Rosa, who has not been a series regular since 2007, is expected to make a cameo in season 18. Jo was an original cast member and had brief appearances on later seasons before making a return for the show’s 100th episode in 2013.
Fans can expect an interesting season ahead with the cast members teasing unexpected friendships and scenarios. Despite the departure of Taylor Armstrong, the cast is gearing up for season 18 with filming already underway. Rumors of cast members returning, including Alexis Bellino and Jo De La Rosa, have added to the anticipation for the upcoming season. With the cast trip set in London, viewers can look forward to drama and excitement as the ladies explore new dynamics and storylines.
