Tamra Judge, the outspoken and fan-favorite star of The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC), recently opened up about the dynamics of the current cast, the upcoming season, and her complex relationships with fellow housewives.
In an interview, Tamra shared her candid thoughts on Shannon Beador, her feelings about Emily Simpson, the status of her friendship with Heather Dubrow, and her potential reconciliation with Gretchen Rossi.
Moreover, she provided insight into why the cast is concerned about Season 20, the upcoming reunion rules, and why she believes Kelly Dodd should make her return to the show.
Shannon Beador, a long-time RHOC staple, has been a polarizing figure among fans and castmates alike. Tamra, who has known Shannon for years, spoke openly about why Shannon may not be considered “good TV” in the eyes of many producers and viewers.
Tamra explained that Shannon’s tendency to retreat into herself and her personal struggles doesn’t always translate to compelling content for the show.
“Shannon is going through a lot of personal stuff, and that’s understandable, but when it comes to the show, she tends to shut down when things get tough,” Tamra said.
She elaborated that while Shannon can be vulnerable, her unwillingness to open up or engage in the drama that fuels the show can make it harder for producers to create engaging storylines around her.
“The show thrives on conflict and resolution, and Shannon is often just trying to stay out of the line of fire, which is why she doesn’t make the best TV.”
However, Tamra acknowledged that Shannon’s value to the show isn’t entirely lost. “She can bring moments of relatability, but she needs to be willing to engage more in the drama and not just hide behind her walls,” she added.
The relationship between Tamra and Emily Simpson has been strained for quite some time, with Emily recently confronting Tamra over her past actions. Tamra admitted to feeling “hurt” by Emily, particularly when their friendship took a turn for the worse.
“I thought Emily and I had a solid friendship, but some of the things that were said behind my back really caught me off guard,” Tamra confessed. “It’s hard to rebuild that trust once it’s been broken. I’m not someone who holds grudges, but I do feel hurt.”
Despite the friction, Tamra emphasized that she is open to moving forward with Emily, although it would take time and effort to rebuild their bond. “I’m willing to try to work through things, but it has to come from a place of mutual understanding and respect,” she explained.
Another major relationship Tamra touched on was her status with Heather Dubrow, who made her return to RHOC in Season 16 after a brief hiatus. The two have had a complicated friendship over the years, with Tamra admitting that they’ve had their ups and downs.
Tamra noted that while she respects Heather as a person, their dynamic has been strained due to differences in how they handle conflict. “Heather and I are just different people. She’s very strategic, and I’m more of an open book,” Tamra said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it feels like she’s playing a different game.”
That said, Tamra also expressed that she has no ill will towards Heather. “I don’t have any issues with Heather now, but I think we both know we’re just not in the same place as we used to be,” she explained.
One of the most talked-about relationships in RHOC history is the long-standing feud between Tamra and Gretchen Rossi. After years of tension, many fans wonder if there’s any hope for reconciliation between the two. Tamra was surprisingly open about the possibility of mending their fractured friendship.
“I think there’s potential for us to move forward, but it’s going to take a lot of work,” Tamra admitted. “We’ve both changed over the years, and I think we’ve both done things we regret.
But it’s hard to let go of all the past baggage, especially when you’ve been through so much together.”
While she didn’t explicitly say they were ready to put the past behind them, Tamra did express that she’s not opposed to the idea of moving forward with Gretchen, provided both women are willing to be vulnerable and honest with each other.
“If we can talk about everything openly and without animosity, who knows? Maybe we could actually be friends again,” Tamra mused.
As RHOC approaches its 20th season, Tamra revealed that there’s some anxiety within the cast about what’s to come. “Everyone’s nervous,” she said. “The show has been on for so long, and there’s pressure to keep things fresh and exciting.
We all want to make sure we’re still relevant and can deliver the kind of drama that keeps the fans engaged.”
The pressure to perform and bring something new to the table is always high in the world of reality TV, and Tamra admitted that the cast has been feeling that pressure.
“There are a lot of big personalities on this season, but we’re all still trying to figure out where we fit and how to bring our best selves to the show.”
Tamra also hinted at the reunion rules for this season, teasing that there may be stricter guidelines in place for the cast. While she didn’t go into specifics, she acknowledged that reunions have become more intense over the years.
“There are a lot of rules that get put in place to keep things from spiraling out of control,” she explained.
Finally, Tamra made a strong case for Kelly Dodd’s return to RHOC, stating that Kelly brought a unique energy to the show. “Kelly was a firecracker, and RHOC needs that kind of energy,” Tamra said.
“She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and we need that kind of boldness back on the show. I think she should return.”
As RHOC prepares for its 20th season, Tamra Judge’s reflections on her relationships with the cast and her hopes for the future reveal the complexities of navigating the highs and lows of reality TV.
Fans can expect plenty of drama, but also a deeper understanding of what makes the housewives tick as they continue to evolve on-screen and off.
