Vicki Gunvalson was off the air for almost three years until the Real Housewives of Orange County star returned for a mashup series: Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
Many viewers have pointed out the declining ratings of RHOC since cast members like Vicki, Kelly Dodd, and Tamra Judge left the show. At the time of Vicki’s firing, she earned around $750,000 each season, according to Radar Online.
In an interview for Kelly’s The Rick & Kelly Show, Vicki discussed a reason why she was let go, admitting that she “did get expensive.”
“And I’m ok with that, I’m worth it,” she explained. “The ratings were the best they’ve ever been when we were on, and I, you get what you pay for.”
Vicki continued, “So you pay for a new girl coming in at less than $50,000. I don’t even know what [salary] the new girls are coming in anymore.”
Kelly, her former colleague, added, “But that’s why the ratings aren’t there. I think it’s cheap talent.”
Vicki then admitted, “I miss it… I know they’re filming right now. I think it’s two weeks in. Tamra just got back from Italy. And it hurts. It stings a little bit. Actually a lot a bit.”
Later in the comments, Kelly wrote, “They must cancel the whole OC because everybody’s woke now.”
In the latest season of the show, the group dynamic centered on Heather Dubrow, and very few castmates questioned or challenged her. Many fans believe this contributed to the low ratings and led to the eventual rehiring of Tamra.
As Vicki mentioned, the cast is now filming for season 17. Has Tamra shaken up the group dynamic? Or is Heather still on the throne?