Vicki Gunvalson, the original star of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is making a comeback as a full-time housewife for the show’s 20th season. The surprise announcement was made by executive producer Andy Cohen during a live event at BravoCon in Las Vegas, where he officially offered her the role on stage.
The dramatic reveal occurred on Friday, November 14, 2025, during the taping of “The Bravos” awards show at BravoCon. Cohen interrupted Gunvalson’s appearance to present her with the symbolic orange and ask if she would join the cast for Season 20. Overwhelmed with emotion, she immediately accepted, hugging Cohen and exclaiming “Yes!” to the delight of the audience. This moment was captured and shared widely on social media, generating immediate buzz among fans.
Gunvalson has a deep history with the franchise, having been part of “RHOC” since its debut in 2006. She starred as a full-time cast member for 14 seasons before announcing her departure in January 2020. In her farewell statement, she expressed gratitude for the experience but signaled a move towards new projects, including a podcast with Westwood One. Despite stepping back, she remained a beloved figure among viewers, often referred to as the “OG of the OC.”
Her return is particularly significant as “The Real Housewives of Orange County” was the first series in the Bravo franchise, premiering on March 21, 2006. It set the template for numerous spin-offs and changed the landscape of reality television. Season 20 marks a milestone, being one of the few television shows to reach such a long run, and Bravo is expected to plan celebrations around this achievement, potentially including special episodes or events.
During her tenure, Gunvalson was central to some of the show’s most memorable storylines, including the infamous Brooks Ayers cancer scandal in Season 10. Ayers, her boyfriend at the time, faked a diagnosis of stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leading to a gripping investigation by cast members. They uncovered forged medical records and bills, turning the season into a real-life thriller that captivated audiences and expanded the possibilities of what reality TV could achieve.
The current cast of “RHOC” includes Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Katie Ginella. It’s not yet clear who will be joining Gunvalson for Season 20, but recent reports indicate that she and Judge have reconciled after past feuds. Judge described their relationship as sister-like, with inevitable ups and downs, while Gunvalson emphasized her aversion to toxicity on the show.
BravoCon, held from November 14-16, 2025, in Las Vegas, serves as a premier event for Bravo enthusiasts, featuring panels, exclusive reveals, and live interactions. The convention provided the perfect backdrop for this announcement, heightening excitement among attendees and online followers. Gunvalson’s comeback is poised to reinvigorate the series, blending nostalgia with new dynamics as production for Season 20 approaches.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Gunvalson bringing her signature energy and unfiltered personality back to the screen. Her return not only honors the show’s origins but also sets the stage for potential storylines involving old and new cast members. As “RHOC” prepares for its historic 20th season, this development ensures that the franchise remains a cornerstone of entertainment culture, continually evolving while staying true to its roots.
