RHOC Star Teases Return of OG

"Real Housewives of Orange County” star Shannon Beador is opening up about the return of Gretchen Rossi.

In January 2025, Variety reported that Rossi is filming as “a friend of” for RHOC season 19 after leaving the Bravo show in 2013. Rossi began starring on the show during its 4th season.

While speaking to Us Weekly in March 2025, Beador said RHOC season 19 “just started filming.” She also shared that she is “excited about” Rossi coming back to the show.

“[S]he’s very kind. She’s been nothing but sweet to me, so I think she’s going to be a good addition,” said Beador during the Us Weekly interview.

Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley Spoke About Her Return to RHOC

Rossi and her fiance Slade Smiley spoke about her return to RHOC in a February 2025 interview with E! News. Rossi told the publication that rejoining the show’s cast has been “fun.”

“It’s kind of fun to come back and not be nervous about anything. I am just who I am authentically and that’s just what I’m going to be on camera. Whether people like or not, too bad,” said Rossi to E! News.

Smiley also shared that he believed “this is the right time” for Rossi to return to the series.

“She’s authentically friends with a majority of the women outside of what happens with filming and production. We’ve got great relationships with a lot of the girls. I’m excited about that part for you,” said Smiley, who also appeared in earlier seasons of RHOC.

Rossi also noted that she and Smiley have a 5-year-old daughter named Skylar. According to Rossi, their daughter will “make some appearances” on RHOC season 19.

“I think that will be fun for people to see Slade and I together as parents,” said Rossi.

Gretchen Rossi Shared What It Would Take for Her to Return to RHOC in 2021

During a 2021 interview with Access Hollywood, Rossi said she would consider returning to RHOC if the salary was high enough. She said, however, she was content with her life without being followed by RHOC cameras.

“My life is so happy. I’m in such a good place. I’m so content. I don’t have a toxic environment around me. I have amazing friends, family, this beautiful daughter,” said Rossi to Access Hollywood.

She also said she would not want to be castmates with RHOC star Tamra Judge again. As fans are aware, Rossi did not have the best relationship with Judge when they filmed RHOC together.

Judge, who is also filming for RHOC season 19, reacted to the news of Rossi’s return by uploading an Instagram post in January 2025.