It has officially been announced that Tamra Judge will be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County sans her longtime friend Vicki Gunvalson, and she may have a better season for it. Tamra joined RHOC in season 3 and shook up a relatively tame show with her blunt personality. She frequently said what was on her mind, which created conflict with the other housewives, particularly Jeana Keough. Over the years, Tamra and Vicki became close friends and they often banded together against the other housewives. In later seasons, Vicki’s boyfriend Brooks Ayers caused a rift between the two RHOC friends. Their friendship mended after Vicki broke up with Brooks when it was revealed he had been faking his cancer diagnosis.

After a long run, both Vicki and Tamra Judge were let go from the franchise ahead of season 15. Both RHOC stars admitted to being blindsided by the news, and Tamra muted all of her former castmates on social media. The two went on to star in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip season 2 and before the finale aired, it was announced that Tamra was returning to RHOC for season 17. Vicki, however, wasn’t offered a role, and it will be the first time Tamra will be on RHOC without her BFF.

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During RHUGT season 2, Tamra and Vicki were given a bedroom to share by former The Real Housewives of New York City star Dorinda Medley at her Bluestone Manor house. Vicki had just broken up with her ex-fiancé Steve Lodge, and Tamra had to comfort her heartbroken friend. When Vicki got sent to the hospital for a sinus infection, Tamra was able to bond with the other housewives without Vicki’s dour mood spoiling the atmosphere. The RHUGT cast commented on how different Tamra was without her overbearing friend.

Tamra and Vicki dressed up at a tea party on RHOC

Although the two RHOC stars have formed a tight friendship over the years, it was sometimes a detriment to the rest of the group. Vicki was often aloof to new cast members, and Tamra often followed Vicki’s lead. Many fans slammed the pair for being “mean girls” and ganging up on a castmate. However, without Vicki, Tamra shows her softer side and is more interactive with the other housewives. Tamra shared in RHUGT that she often feels like she has to tend to Vicki and make sure she is okay, which she admitted was exhausting.

Fans are excited to see Tamra back on RHOC. Many weren’t happy with season 16 and felt that the scenes were overproduced. Former RHOC star Jen Armstrong slammed Noella Bergener for being inauthentic and acting for her scenes. Fans also slammed Jen for being boring and bringing nothing to the show. With Tamra back, along with another possible former star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, season 17 will be sure to regain the franchise’s fanbase.

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