Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Bravo
Recently, a rumor started circulating online that there were plans to bring back two additional older cast members to The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
As Reality Blurb previously reported, prior to Bravo confirming the news, Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, and Dolores Catania are set to return.
So, is there any truth to the rumor that more former cast members could return?
According to an insider, it’s “not true.”
“No one involved has been told anything about any cast members returning, aside from Teresa, Melissa, and Dolores,” they added.
A second source dished on who could be in the running to return if Bravo changes its mind and decides to bring back other former cast members.
“Some have pointed toward Jennifer Aydin, but that’s not going to happen,” they shared. “Bravo cannot stand her and is 0% willing to entertain her coming back. She is persona non grata.”
As far as Rachel Fuda, the insider insisted she would be “100% perfect to return.”
“While Bravo was annoyed by her husband getting so involved, it’s possible he learned a lesson and would stay quiet this time, and Bravo could potentially bring her back,” they added.
As far as Danielle Cabral, the source noted she “didn’t seem to be in the know of what was going on with RHONJ” when it was on pause, so it’s “unlikely” she’d return.
As for Margaret Josephs, the insider noted that people “still want her to return and think letting her resign was a major mistake on Bravo’s part.”
“There’s a large number of people who have been vocal about wanting her back,” they continued. “And production and the network wanted her to return. However, she’s been adamant about not wanting to film with Teresa and, unless she changes her mind – which it doesn’t seem like she’s going to at this point – there likely wouldn’t be a path forward. But, sometimes time heals all wounds and… if things aren’t going well in filming, Bravo likely could potentially scramble and try to find a way to make her come back, some way, somehow.”
The source also explained that Jennifer Fessler could be a contender to come back if Bravo decided to bring back anyone else due to all of the “current drama” surrounding her, with being accused of sleeping with Summer House star West Wilson.
“It would be a perfect time to bring her back as there are a LOT of eyes on her; however, she’s not currently under contract with Bravo and was simply a friend of in the past,” they shared. “Also, the show will not be airing for many months after this drama has died down and people have forgotten about it. So, it’s possible, as is anything in the Bravo world, but unlikely.”
“Looking at other housewives through history,” they elaborated, “Jacqueline Laurita would be great to return, but she lives in California now and seems happy without the show. Aside from a cameo, it likely wouldn’t make sense for her to return full-time, and it isn’t something she’d likely want for RHONJ.”
While they divulged Caroline Manzo‘s name “has been tossed around for years to return,” her lawsuit against Bravo makes it “highly unlikely.”
“Caroline’s lawsuit also held up an entire show that Bravo funded to produce, which still currently remains shelved,” they added. “This likely doesn’t sit kindly with the network. “
“Amber Marchese was an excellent housewife who didn’t get the second season she deserved; however, it’s unlikely Bravo would bring her back, as Andy has always been vocal about his disdain for her husband, Jim, even though Jim practically made the biggest drama of that season occur,” the source stated.
They also claimed Kim DePaola, who was always a “friend of,” would “absolutely make sense” to come back.
“She’s classic NJ, and her fashion shows always were the epicenter of drama for the franchise,” they said. “She also has a relationship with the old women and could be a bridge to the new ones.”
“There’s a few other housewives who have been full-time through the years, but the chance of them returning is slim to none,” they concluded. “Ultimately, we’ll have to watch what happens with Bravo and the show, as things could change on a dime. But this is where they stand at the current moment and what makes sense in the eyes of production now.”