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Vicki Gunvalson offered a positive update on the Tres Amigas during an interview weeks ago.
As she also addressed the drama she faced with Tamra Judge, 58, after commenting on her estrangement from her daughter, Sidney Barney, 26, named which of her Real Housewives of Orange County castmates was the “epitome” of a “real housewife,” and explained her drama with newbie Carmella Garcia, 43, the O.G. of the O.C. dished on her romance with boyfriend Michael Smith and commented on the milestone season of the Bravo reality series.
“We’re working on it, still. I think that [Shannon Beador] and I are still really close. I’m close with Tamra. I think the three of us together has still got a little bit of work to do, but I’m really proud of the progress,” Vicki told Entertainment Tonight of the Tres Amigas at the season 20 premiere party in Universal City, California, on June 30.
As for the drama she caused between her and Tamra by mentioning Sidney, Vicki said that she didn’t intend to bring up their strained relationship.
“It was actually about why she was so mean to Shannon,” she clarified. “Tamra is an amazing mother, so it was kind of was portrayed wrong. She’s an incredible mother, but the way she was treating Shannon, I’m defensive of Shanon, I’m like, ‘You can’t treat people that way.’”
Then, when asked if there were any housewives she was particularly proud of, Vicki named co-star Gina Kirschenheiter.
“She is the epitome of what a, I mean, she was down and out. A lot of issues were happening in her marriage, and getting a divorce, and then meeting a great guy [Travis Mullen] and getting a business started with real estate. I’m just so proud of her. I really am,” she gushed.
As for whether anyone had tarnished the brand, Vicki seemingly gave a nod to Carmella.
“You’ll see. It’s very clear who I think should be off the show,” she teased.
Regarding her issue with Carmella, Vicki continued, “I couldn’t find the truth in her voice. If I asked her a question, it was mumble jumble. I like authenticity, so you’ll see … I think we all have been authentic but [Carmella].”
Moving on to her personal life, Vicki said she and Michael, whom she’s been dating for over four years, were in no rush to get married.
“We’re both committed. I don’t think you have to be married to be committed,” she reasoned. “That didn’t work for me. We bought a home together … That’s a commitment. But beyond that, I don’t need anything else right now. I got my own money. He’s got his own money. Whatever happens happens.”
Also during the interview, after saying that she was “ready” for her return and confirming there was no “learning curve,” Vicki said she was “kind of emotional” about season 20.
“Twenty years goes so fast. Where am I gonna be 20 years from now? I mean, when you think about life like that, it’s like lickety split; it just went,” she stated.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 20 premieres on Thursday, July 9, at 8/7c on Bravo.