With Jen Shah's life as a free woman in jeopardy, it appears that The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City producers decided to bring in newcomer Jennie Nguyen. More details have emerged about the franchise's newest housewife and how she was added to the cast as a friend before quickly being promoted to full-time cast member status. Considering the 20 to 30 years Jen is facing in prison if she is found guilty of felony wire fraud and money laundering, it makes sense why a new face was added to the already new franchise. It is because of Jen's legal woes why Jennie was bumped up so fast.
The fans really enjoyed RHOSLC season 1, but one of the show stars is already at risk of making an exit. Jen placed herself at the center of all the drama during the debut season. By the RHOSLC reunion, she was painted as the show's villain and continued her dramatic shouting and defending herself. Viewers looking forward to the second season of antics from the Bravo star. But between two leaked audio scandals and serious felony charges, Jen has already proven that her onscreen behavior is not just for show. Jen is set to return in season 2 with a whole new attitude due to her legal situation.
It's said that because of Jen Shah's absence during filming, newcomer Jennie Nguyen was able to shoot more scenes and earn a full-time role on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City after initially being brought on as a friend. “Jennie was hired on as just a friend originally,” a source told The Sun. “But because of Jen's legal stuff and unexpected delays in filming here and there, Jennie got a lot more screen time than everyone expected and got promoted to full-time by the end." Jennie was never brought on to replace Jen. She was actually added to help spice things up like Housewives shows are known to do. “Because of Jen's problems, Jennie was a lot more involved and became full-time faster,” the source explained.
With Jen's fate lingering on, in the event that she does have to do jail time, Jennie will be sure to help fill the gap. “So if Jen is not part of the show for season 3, Jennie will definitely want to step in and fill that role and void," the insider added. Jennie was introduced to the cast through her good friend Lisa Barlow. Viewers watched Lisa go at it in a mean girl feud with Heather Gay. But now it looks like Lisa has some backup in the friend department. Jennie reportedly "saw her friends have an incredible experience on the show and has wanted to be a part of it since," the insider said.
When it comes to the energy that Jennie brings, she's reportedly the perfect addition. "She’s not afraid to speak her mind, get sassy or get into trouble and has amazing fashion so she will fit in nicely with the group," the source said. They also teased the "messy drama" that goes down outside of Jen's legal issues. "Some other big things go down Jennie is involved with,” they said. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City didn't shy away from kicking off their debut season with a bang. It looks like the ladies are back and shadier than ever.
Source: The Sun