Vicki Gunvalson, the OG of the OC, is back for Real Housewives of Orange County's 20th season, and she's got some interesting insights to share. In this exclusive interview, Vicki dishes on her return to the franchise, her evolving friendships with Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge, and her dynamic with new cast member Carmella Garcia. With a mix of humor and honesty, Vicki offers a behind-the-scenes look at the drama and camaraderie of the show, while also reflecting on her own personal journey and the impact of her return to Bravo.
Vicki's Return: A Blessing and an Emotional Journey
Vicki's return to RHOC was a momentous occasion, marked by an emotional outpouring of love from Bravo fans. She reflects on the moment Andy Cohen offered her an orange during BravoCon, an offer that left her in awe and disbelief. "I think I cried all night and I slept with the orange," she recalls, "I’m still sleeping with the orange. It’s all rotted. It’s got hair on it, but it’s beautiful."
Navigating Friendships: Keeping the Peace
Vicki finds herself caught in the middle of Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge's ongoing feud. She shares her approach to balancing these friendships: "I just try to keep the peace. They may never be friends like they were before, but if they could be kind to each other and move on… that is the best gift I could ask from them."
Vicki uses her own friendship with Heather Dubrow as an example of how Beador and Judge could handle their issues. She notes, "We were able to question each other, come to an understanding, and then we move on. I love Heather and Terry. They’re good people."
The Evolution of Friendships: Hope for the Tres Amigas
Vicki teases an "evolution" in Beador and Judge's friendship, suggesting that they may find a way to resolve their differences. She acknowledges, "There will definitely be an evolution in their friendship this season."
Tamra and Heather: A Soft Side and a Mean Streak
Vicki offers her perspective on the dynamic between Tamra and Heather, noting, "I’m just catching up with them myself. We’ll see what happens, but what I can say is that Heather—as well as the rest of us—doesn’t want conflict with Tamra. She can be really mean."
Vicki also hints at a softer side of Tamra this season, "I’m glad to say you’re going to see a softer side of Tamra this year."
The Quiet Women Incident: A Disappointing Turn of Events
Vicki recounts the embarrassing incident at the Quiet Women during the filming of RHUGT: Roaring 20th, where Shannon and Tamra's personal drama overshadowed the evening. "It was really disappointing for me," she shares, "The night wasn’t supposed to be about their personal drama. We weren’t filming RHOC. We were filming a different show with a very special group of women."
Mike's Support: A Good Partner and a Good Sense of Humor
Vicki's boyfriend, Mike Smith, has been a supportive presence throughout her journey. She shares, "He was in the audience when I accepted the orange. He already knew I was doing RHUGT. I guess he turned around to Eddie Judge and said, ‘Oh, shit.’ He knew I was going out a lot. So, I just said to him, ‘you know what? You can bail out now, but I’m doing this.’ He said, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’"
Respect and Expiration Dates: Carmella's Arrival
Vicki addresses the new cast member, Carmella Garcia, and her comment about Vicki's "expiration date." She shares, "I want respect. I mean, obviously Carmella knows the show. She knows I started it all. In the trailer, she said that I have an ‘expiration date.’ I’m like: ‘No, bitch. I’m not expired. I’m still alive. I’ve still here!’ It was really rude comment."
Friendship with Heather: Resolving Conflicts
Vicki reflects on her friendship with Heather Dubrow, noting, "Heather and I are fine. I just questioned something that she didn’t like and that’s okay. This is a reality show. We’re able to question each other, come to an understanding, and then move on."
A Thoughtful Takeaway: The Power of Friendship and Resolution
As Vicki navigates the complexities of friendship and conflict, she offers a thoughtful takeaway: "I said, ‘you guys, we’re all going to be working together for the next four or five months. Can’t we just get along?’ You’re going to see them go through a transition throughout the season. I think everybody’s going to be happy."
In the end, Vicki's return to RHOC is a testament to the power of friendship, resolution, and the enduring appeal of the franchise. As she continues to navigate the highs and lows of life and television, Vicki remains a beloved figure, offering a unique perspective on the drama and camaraderie of the show.
