Tamra Judge is revealing just how Vicki Gunvalson is taking the news of her reduced role on the latest season of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Following Bravo’s confirmation earlier this week that Vicki, 57, had been demoted, after the release of the RHOC season 14 trailer, an insider revealed the real reason for Vicki’s reduced role, stating the network is simply trying to move toward a younger audience, which also means younger housewives.
“The network wants to skew younger,” the source told Radar Online. “She will continue to appear on the show as a friend for seasons to come because she’s a household name. No one sees the network making her a main cast member again. Unless the season completely tanks.”
In addition, the original housewives earn the biggest salaries so production would also be saving a lot of money by cutting down on Vicki’s role.
VICKI GUNVALON’S NEW RHOC SALARY IS REVEALED!
Meanwhile, Tamra took to her Instagram page to share a sweet tribute to her friend, while also revealing that Vicki’s actually “sad” over the news.
“Omg @vickigunvalson two dunk housewives. ????????♀️ where do I start,” Tamra wrote in the Instagram post, along with a video of herself and Vicki hanging out during an earlier season.
“The hats, the tan, the can of beer & the 12 years of crazy shenanigans. I love you, I hate you! ????♀️ I’ve gone through so much with you my friend,” she continued. “I said it 12 years ago and I’ll say it again #BFF (or until you piss me off again … jk).”
Tamra then went on to share that Vicki is actually a bit down over the news of becoming a friend this season, following 13 seasons of being a full-time housewife.
“It makes me sad that you’re sad right now,” wrote Tamra. “I love you so much ❤️ pinky swear #Ogoftheoc #Changeishard.”
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As for Vicki, she reacted to her new status on the RHOC earlier this week, as she took it in stride while also reminding everyone that she is still the “OG of the OC.”
“For the past 14 years I’ve opened up my life, my loves, my ups and downs on The Real Housewives of Orange County and I am proud to be the ‘OG of the OC.’ I am back again this season right in the middle of the action, and I hope you have as much fun watching the show as I did living it in front of the cameras. Stay tuned to Bravo August 6th,” wrote Vicki in her July 2 post.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 14 premieres on Tuesday, August 6 at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV.
Photos Credit: Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com, Milla Cochran/startraksphoto.com