The return of the queen When The Real Housewives of Orange County comes back for season 17, there’ll be at least one familiar face holding a citrus fruit: Tamra Judge.
The California native confirmed this news during a July 2022 visit to the Californian. Andy Cohen Live: See What HappensAfter weeks of speculation. After weeks of speculation, the Vena Cannabis CBD cocreator was an original cast member from season 3 through season 14, before she left Bravo in January 2020.
“I am back, bitches!” the reality star said a few days later during an episode of her “Two T’s in a Pod” podcast with Teddi Mellencamp. The new season hadn’t started filming yet, but Tamra noted that she was already thinking about her tagline. “I have one thing to say: all rise,” she quipped. “The Judge is back and drama’s in session.”
Tamra returned to Housewives in season 2 of 2022 earlier. Ultimate Girls TripAlongside Jill Zarin, Brandi Glanville, Phaedra Parks, Eva Marcille, Dorinda Medley, Vicki GunvalsonAnd Taylor Armstrong. According to CUT Fitness owner, they started talking with Bravo producers about returning. RHOCJust a moment before Girls TripPremiered on Peacock.
“I’ve been talking with production for about two months now,” Tamra told Teddi on their podcast. “And I wasn’t really sure. I was unsure if they would ask me back. Not ask me back? I really didn’t know.”
Tamra says that producers called to confirm her return shortly after Bronx, her beloved pet, died on July 4th. She was happy to share the news. WWHLShe told the truth, however. Andy Cohen that she wanted to break it to Vicki herself because her former costar “was not asked back” to the show.
“I wanted it to come from me,” Tamra explained. “I know that it hurts. It would be painful if the roles were reversed. I would be happy for her, but it would sting.”
The Bravo star told Vicki that she wanted her to film with her as much as possible — and warned her not to tell anyone until the news was public. Tamra claimed that Vicki, however, told Jill, who then posted about Tamra’s return several days before the WWHL announcement.
“I lit both their asses up on text that day,” Tamra recalled on her podcast. “This is not your business, this is not for you to announce.”
Shortly before Tamra confirmed her return, two other RHOC stars revealed that they won’t be back for more: Noella BergenerDr. Jen Armstrong.
“After a wild season of ups and downs, I will not be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Noella wrote via Instagram in July 2022. “Thank you to all of the fans for all of the love and support during quite possibly the hardest year of my life. I am looking forward to brighter skies ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next.”
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the 17th season The Real Housewives of Orange County.