Alexis Bellino in November 2023.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Grab your Alexis Couture, becauseAlexis Bellinois officially back onThe Real Housewives of Orange County!
The 46-year-old mother of three — who made her debut as an Orange County Housewife in season 5 — will return as a Friend of the Housewives for season 18, a source close to production confirms to PEOPLE.TMZwas first to report the news.
Bravo dos not comment on casting and a rep for Bellino did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. But another insider tells PEOPLE that Bellino’s connections to the cast has made her return easy, even after over a decade away.
“Alexis is feeling energized and excited to be back in the mix,” says the source. “She has authentic relationships with many of the girls, so it feels completely natural to be spending time with friends.”
Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, and Jennifer Pedranti.Andrew Eccles/Bravo via Getty Images
Andrew Eccles/Bravo via Getty Images
Filming for the new season kicked off earlier this monthand is currently underway in the beloved California coastal city, withTamra Judge,Heather Dubrow,Emily Simpson,Gina KirschenheiterandJennifer Pedrantiall invited back for another run.
Taylor Armstrong, who made history last season with her casting, announced in November thatshe would not be returning to the series.
Shannon Storms Beadoris back full-time too, and facing an uphill battle this season. Not only has Judge revealed that the two former friends have fallen out, but Bellino is also now dating Beador’s ex-boyfriend,John Janssen.
Alexis Bellino and John Janssen.Alexis Bellino/Instagram
Alexis Bellino/Instagram
Fans will remember Janssen, 61, for his time onRHOC.He and Beador dated for three and a half yearsbefore he “blindsided” her with a breakup in late 2022(a split PEOPLE reported exclusively). The two found a way back to be friends, though ties were cut not long afterBeador’s September arrest for an alleged DUI and hit-and-run.
“I’ve spent this last six weeks focused on myself andeliminating toxic and unhealthy thingsin my life — both things and people,” she said in November atBravoCon 2023. “And I am moving forward and am positive.”
Beador might not be that positive when she comes face to face with Bellino. She’s already slammed Janssen in the press for dating Bellino, tellingE! Newsin December that she’s “hurt” and still trying to figure out “how to process” their coupling after Janssen told her he didn’t want to be in the public eye anymore.
“How many Orange County Housewives have there been?” she asked. “Is that your dating pool?”
Shannon Beador at BravoCon 2023.Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty
Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty
There’s also the fact that Alexis' ex-husband Jim also previouslysued Beadorin a well-publicized 2018 defamation suit.Beador won the casein October 2020, but was still lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process of defending herself.
“John is very well aware of a lawsuit that I was involved in with Jim Bellino, and Alexis was involved in that lawsuit,” Beador said to the outlet. “I was financially and emotionally devastated for years. And I won. But it devastated me financially. And I’m a single mom. John’s aware of that.”
Alexis Bellino and John Janssen.Nydia Alvarez
Nydia Alvarez
It’s unclear whether Janssen, will be filming this season with Bellino, who leftRHOCin 2013 after season 8 and later appeared as a guest in season 14.
PEOPLEbroke the news the two were dating back in early December.The duo met in November through mutual friends at Orange County eateryThe Quiet Woman.
By Christmas, he had gifted her a promise ring, which she promptly showed off onInstagram. “Words cannot. Actions do,” Bellino captioned the post. “I will no longer feel guilty. I will not apologize. Love will create its own story. I love you Johnny J. 🎄♥️.”
Alexis Bellino’s ring.Alexis Bellino/Instagram
Bellino has continued to share their romance off on social media, includinga birthday celebration he threw for herearlier this month. Her new relationship comes after the end of her engagement to ex-fiancé Andy Bohn, news of whichPEOPLE reported in September.
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All seasons ofThe Real Housewives of Orange Countyare currently streaming on Peacock.
source: people.com
