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It’s official! Alexis Bellino has returned to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Over 10 years after leaving the Bravo reality series after appearing in a full-time role for seasons five through eight, Alexis, 47, who is currently dating John Janssen, 60, the ex-boyfriend of Shannon Beador, 59, began filming season 18 with Heather Dubrow, 55, and Emily Simpson, 48, in what sources say will be a “friend” role.
On January 24, TMZ confirmed the news of Alexis’ return and part-time position, noting that she began filming on Tuesday night.
As RHOC fans well know, Alexis began dating John in November — nearly one year to the date that John “blindsided” Shannon, whom he started dating in July 2019, with a split just one week after wrapping production on season 17.
Not only are Alexis and Shannon expected to butt heads over Alexis’ romance with John, but also the past issues Shannon has had with Alexis and her former husband, Jim Bellino, who sued her for defamation after she trash-talked his businesses on a podcast years ago.
Even before the start of Alexis’ relationship with John, Shannon was said to have gone on a rant against her at an Orange County bar, where Alexis was also spending time, before she was arrested in September 2023 for a DUI and hit-and-run.
Just as TMZ reported the news of Alexis’ return, she was seen enjoying a night out with Heather and Emily — and the RHOC cameras. In a photo shared by Dorinda Deadly on Instagram, Alexis and Emily were seen in black outfits as they sat at a table with Heather and Emily, both of whom appeared to be enjoying espresso martinis.
Before Alexis’ outing with Heather and Emily, Shannon was spotted filming with season 17 newbie Jennifer Pedranti, 46, confirming they too will be a part of the new season.
Tamra Judge, 56, who recently defended her friendship with Alexis amid her falling out with Shannon, is also expected to be a part of the new season.
“I made up with her at [BravoCon]. Weeks before she even met John at The Quiet Woman, and over a month before they went public as a couple. So if you’re gonna talk sh*t, get it right!” Tamra wrote in a tweet to her critics.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 is expected to premiere on Bravo sometime later this year.