Fancy Pants Heather Dubrow of The Real Housewives of Orange County is back and dishing on what it was like being able to bond with Gina Kirschenheiter while working without Tamra Judge and Vicki Gunvalson. Fans have been wishing for years that Heather would step back behind the gilded gates and reprise her role on the original franchise. Now, on December 1, they will finally get their wish.
The former actress walked away from The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2017 after sharing her story for five seasons. There was never a doubt in fans' minds that she was a valued member of the cast — the East coast transplant always brought her A-game. Whether she was kicking Shannon Beador out of her family home or trying to instill some decorum into Kelly Dodd, Heather had it all, and fans enjoyed being able to see into her life. Now that Heather is returning, she has shared that it was "so normal" to step back behind the gates and even make some new friends.
Screen Rant had the chance to chat with Heather about her upcoming return to RHOC season 16. She spilled it all, from what it was like to film without Tamra and Vicki to forging new friendships. Fans will recall that Heather filmed five seasons with the OG's so it was weird to come back to a whole new crowd. She said, "They were the show. To me, it was odd jumping back without them, but in a way kinda good cause it meant I was doing something different. I was interested in doing something to move forwards." In the trailer, viewers can see an obvious connection to Gina, and it wasn't just because both originally hailed from New York. Heather revealed, "Women date each other. We date our friends. I was attracted to her in that friend way." Not only does Gina have a great heart and a zest for life, but according to Heather, she is "very authentic and does not mince words or beat around the bush, and I love that."
Heather's personal opinion is that friendships should be uncomplicated. As for her friendship with Shannon, viewers will not be surprised to learn that it went "off the rails." "The Dubrow Diet" author candidly spoke about where she stood with her old foe, saying, "I think both Shannon and I came into this season with the best of intentions, and then quite frankly, it goes off the rails and very quickly." Even though she was not sure how much of their downfall Bravo would show, Heather did share some insight revealing, "I think it resonates back to some things that happened in our past, and you know it's a bummer."
The Real Housewives of Orange County fans will have a lot to look forward to when it comes to Heather's return. The fan-favorite is very much looking forward to sharing her story and family life with fans, especially her daughter Max's journey after coming out as bisexual. As always, Heather will be transparent and not back down from a heated scolding if it is needed. Luckily, it looks like Gina will be on Heather's good side!
The Real Housewives of Orange County premieres on December 1 on Bravo.