Alexis Bellino is eager to come back for season 19 of RHOC to redeem herself as she is “deeply frustrated” with how she is being portrayed throughout the current season.
“She’s been really upset with how she’s come across and even considered quitting at one point, but she eventually decided that it would be better for her to return and show viewers more of her real life,” one source told DailyMail.com.
“Alexis also believes that Shannon’s true colors will eventually come out and that she’ll be vindicated, so she wants to be part of the show when that happens so everyone can see that she’s not the bad guy in this.”
An insider explained that it was expected that Alexis would replace Shannon following her DUI but the 60-year-old remains a fan favorite. The same can’t be said for Alexis and co-star Tamra Judge, who have received tons of backlash from RHOC fans.
“Everybody thought Shannon would be phased out after her DUI and Alexis would replace her, but things played out in such an unexpected way that now Shannon is arguably the most popular person on the show,” an insider said. “And everybody hates Alexis and Tamra, but it’s not always a bad thing to be hated as a Housewife. It’s better than being forgettable.”
“Bravo has fired plenty of great people due to audience backlash before and it usually just makes the shows boring and leads to even more complaints from fans,” the source continued. “Alexis could easily come back, but she and Shannon are going to have to find a way to coexist for that to happen.”
Another report claims that Bravo is struggling with how to keep both Shannon Beador and Alexis Bellino onboard for season 19 of RHOC.
The network is keen to keep both ladies apart of the show as ratings for season 18 have been through the roof and the drama between them has played a huge part in the season’s success.
“Bravo is so happy with how this season turned out and they know that adding Alexis is a big part of what made it such a success,” another insider told DailyMail.com. “Everybody brought their A game this year but it’s really the drama between Shannon and Alexis that’s made this season a blockbuster hit. Producers don’t want to change a thing, but they’re not sure how they can bring both Shannon and Alexis back given the current state of their relationship.”
“Nothing has been decided yet and casting won’t officially begin until this season has finished airing, so nobody has been fired or rehired,” the insider added. “With that said, there’s a lot of people who do want Alexis back next year. She’s easy to work with compared to some of the other women and she’s authentically friends with the cast, which is hard to find.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.