Earlier this month, Jen Armstrong announced her departure from The Real Housewives of Orange County and she recently admitted to feeling relieved when she got the call that she was fired. Jen joined RHOC season 16, and fans watched as she navigated her life as the primary earner of her household while raising three children with her husband, Ryne Holliday. Jen often worked long hours as a doctor at her cosmetic dermatology practice while Ryne took on the role of stay-at-home dad, which created friction in their relationship.
While Jen’s strained marriage was a major storyline for her in RHOC season 16, many fans thought she didn’t bring anything else to the show. However, it wasn’t easy for Jen as a working professional to let loose and get caught up in drama like the other housewives. Many RHOC viewers also wanted more from Ryne, but he often appeared stiff and robotic in front of the cameras. During the RHOC season 16 reunion, Jen revealed that she and Ryne had separated for a month but were trying to figure things out. She later officially filed for divorce from Ryne.
Jen opened up about how she felt leaving RHOC in a recent podcast episode of Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef. When asked how she felt upon hearing the news, Jen revealed, “Probably the first feeling was relief. I think they’re just starting to film now...but I couldn’t even imagine. I couldn’t even imagine starting to film right now. I just moved into a new house. I just moved into a house and remodeled it...[It's] kind of chaotic right now.” She revealed that the news was surprising as she was scheduled to test for COVID-19 in order to start filming, so the decision was most likely a last-minute change by producers.
Although relief was her first feeling, Jen admitted to feeling sad as well. However, she shared that prior to being fired, she was hesitant about coming back on RHOC as a full-time cast member for another season. Jen stated, “I was going to have that conversation with the producer and talk about coming back as a friend role because I don’t know if I could keep up that much production for another year.” With working full-time and being a mom to three kids, Jen confessed that filming RHOC was “a lot.” Still, she shared, “I had a great time. It was definitely a unique experience.”
While Jen is no longer on RHOC, she still maintains friendships with her former castmates Gina Kerschenheiter and Heather Dubrow. During RHOC season 16, Jen confessed to having marital issues with Ryne to Heather, and Seven Year Stitch producer Heather gave her some sound marriage advice. Unfortunately, it didn’t work, and Jen and Ryne remain separated. While Jen may not have been caught up in a lot of drama for her only season, many fans appreciated her laid-back nature and hopefully will see her make a guest appearance in future seasons of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Source: Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef/Apple Podcasts