Filming for season 16 of The Real Housewives of Orange County began earlier this month with three new cast members joining the series. When newbies arrive, some current cast members need to be cut. Last month, Bravo announced Kelly Dodd, Braunwyn Windham-Burke, and Elizabeth Vargas are not returning for season 16. Kelly joined the series for season 11, Braunwyn started on season 14, and Elizabeth was a one-season-wonder, appearing on season 15.
The last season of the Bravo series was a complete disaster in the eyes of the viewers. Not only were the ratings significantly lower than the season before, but half of the cast was unlikeable. Before season 15 even began, fans were already upset with Kelly following her comments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelly referred to the deadly disease as "God's way of thinning the herd." Braunwyn became more unlikeable after she admitted, on camera, that she has physically abused her husband, Sean, and called the paparazzi on herself. RHOC was in desperate need of a shakeup, and it seems they now found the perfect cast.
In June 2021, Bravo announced Kelly, Braunwyn, and Elizabeth, will not be returning to RHOC for season 16, but a former housewife will be. Heather Dubrow, who appeared on the show from seasons 7 to 11, will be returning to the series as a full-time housewife. She was a fan favorite during her tenure, as the show followed her life with her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow, and their four children. Heather famously clashed with Kelly on multiple occasions, which was the driving force behind her exit. While viewers may be happy to see "fancy-pants" make her return, they are also excited to see the newcomers joining the cast. According to the Instagram account @realhousewivesfranchise, three new ladies will be part of the upcoming season. Interestingly, two of them are friends with Braunwyn.
The new women joining season 16 of RHOC are Noella Bergener, Nicole James, and Dr. Jennifer Armstrong. Noella actually appeared in an episode last season alongside Brawunyn, where the ladies discussed the former housewife's relationship with her husband. A source told The Sun Noella is set to join the cast next season. "They tested her out before the firing decisions were made. She has good chemistry with other potential new cast members," the source said. Nicole James, who is connected to the ladies through Heather, will join Noella as a new cast member. Dr. Jennifer Armstrong is a friend of Braunwyn's as well and rounds out the cast to seven members. Jennifer is an award-winning cosmetic and aesthetic doctor and has three children with her husband, Ryne (via @dorindadeadly). Tamra Judge is rumored to be making a return as well but in a "friend of" role, rather than full-time.
The new season of The Real Housewives of Orange County is rumored to be airing sometime in the winter of 2021. So far, the new cast seems like a step up from seasons past, and fans cannot wait to watch. Hopefully, the new ladies will bring a lot more light to season 16.
Sources: @realhousewivesfranchise/ Instagram, The Sun, @dorindadeadly/ Instagram