Gretchen Rossi Returns to ‘RHOC’ as ‘Friend’ for Season 19

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Gretchen Rossi, a former main cast member of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (RHOC), is set to return to the Bravo reality series as a “friend” of the cast for its upcoming 19th season. Production began this week, with Rossi joining returning cast members Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson.

Rossi, who appeared on RHOC from Seasons 4 through 8, last served as a full-time cast member in 2013. Her return marks a significant moment for fans of the long-running franchise, which concluded its 18th season in November 2024 to strong ratings. Alexis Bellino, who returned as a “friend” in Season 18, will not be part of the new season.

Rossi first joined RHOC in 2008 during its fourth season, which premiered in November of that year. At the time, she was engaged to Jeff Beitzel, a wealthy older man, and faced criticism from some cast members who labeled her a “golddigger.” Beitzel passed away before the season aired, adding a layer of complexity to her storyline.

In Season 5, Rossi began a relationship with Slade Smiley, a recurring figure in the franchise who had previously been engaged to Jo De La Rosa, an original cast member. Their relationship sparked controversy, with some questioning its authenticity. Despite the drama, Rossi and Smiley remain together today and share a daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley, born in July 2019.

Rossi left RHOC after Season 8, with viewers and critics feeling her storylines had become overly staged. However, she has remained connected to the Bravo universe, making guest appearances on RHOC and participating in Peacock’s “Ultimate Girls Trip: Morocco” in 2023. The latter project has been shelved indefinitely due to allegations of misconduct involving castmate Brandi Glanville.

In an October 2024 interview on Tamra Judge’s podcast, Rossi reflected on her early days on RHOC, admitting she was “naive” and “green” when she first joined. “I was so naive, I was so green. To the point where I would walk right into what they wanted and the narrative that they wanted,” she said. Rossi also revealed that she stepped away from the show in 2013 due to a personal situation involving stalking and harassment, which she did not want to be featured on the series.

Season 19 of RHOC does not yet have a release date, but Rossi’s return is expected to bring fresh drama and intrigue to the series. Fans will have to wait to see how her dynamic with the current cast, particularly Tamra Judge, evolves.