FANS were shocked when Real Housewives of Orange County star Kelly Dodd was fired just days before the new season was to start production.
Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Elizabeth Vargas were also ousted from the hit Bravo show ahead of Season 16.
However, viewers will be thrilled to see fan-favorite Heather Dubrow returning as part of the huge shakeup.
Dubrow has been off the show for five years since she left in 2016.
Please read our Real Housewives of Orange County live blog for news and the latest updates…
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
KELLY DODD SPEAKS OUT
Kelly took to Twitter to address her fans following the news of her departure from the show: "The last five years have been an amazing experience.
"The next five years will be even better. I am so grateful for all the love and support and so excited about the future #RHOC."
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
BRAUNWYN IS 'INCREDIBLY SAD' SHE'S NOT COMING BACK
Following the news of her not getting her contract renewed for a new season, Braunwyn told PEOPLE: "I'm incredibly sad to not be able to come back to The Real Housewives of Orange County next year.
"I loved every moment of being a Housewife, and am so proud of my time on the show – the good, the bad, and the in-between.
"It feels revolutionary to say, but I was able to get sober and stay sober on reality TV. That is something for which I will forever be grateful. And I came out, becoming the first gay Housewife in the franchise's history. What an incredible honor to look back upon, especially during Pride Month.
"I know I may have been too much for some, and that's okay. I am real, and I am happy being me. I'm so grateful to those who have stood by me."
"There is a lot more to my life, and I hope you'll stick with me on this journey as I move forward in my next chapter."
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
SHANNON BEADOR REACHES OUT TO KELLY
Shannon and Kelly formed an unusual friendship last season and it seems like it might continue off-camera.
Following the news of Kelly not returning to the show, Shannon showed up with a "parting" gift for her friend as they hugged and spent some time together.
Shannon seemed saddened that Kelly wouldn't be coming back.
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
ELIZABETH VARGAS SPEAKS OUT AFTER BEING FIRED FROM RHOC
The housewife, who only lasted one season and had shocked fans when she admitted to growing up in a cult, took to Instagram to confirm the news of her departure.
"I would like to thank NBCUniversal and Evolution Media as well as all of the producers, film crew, staff & my manager @sirdavidweintraub for the opportunity to participate in season 15 of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
"COVID 2020 was a very unfortunate and tough year for all of us during filming but we made it happen and I’m very proud of what we accomplished as a team.
"Despite filming during COVID and not really getting to know all the ladies fully, this past year has been the most extraordinary, amazing and beautiful experience of my life. I am so proud of the work we have done and the friendships we were able to build.
"To the Fans …I can never ever thank you enough for the outpouring of love, support and the kindness you have shown to me. Thank you for a memorable season and helping me to launch my new Vargas Vodka in which a percentage of every bottle sold goes to help save the animals!"
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- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
HEATHER DUBROW IS BACK
Heather, a fan-favorite, revealed on her podcast that she was return to RHOC.
She parted from the show in 2017 after five seasons.
While sitting down with Andy Cohen, he said: "Well, Heather, you are coming back for season 16 of Real Housewives of Orange County!"
She agreed and added: "Is that crazy?"
Andy told her: "I'm so excited because it's a testament of everything at the right time because the viewers wanted, the show is at a cross-roads, we have some rebuilding to do and I think it's interesting."
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
DID KELLY DODD GET FIRED?
Kelly's contract was not renewed for the upcoming season after a series of controversies and multiple calls to have her fired.
It comes after Kelly previously denied rumors that she would be axed from the show in February 2021.
She said: “It’s actually kinda funny… I’ve heard these rumors every year for the last five years,”
“Looking forward to my sixth season #RHOC 16 !”
- Sophia Caraballo Pineiro
BRAVO CONFIRMED KELLY, ELIZABETH, AND BRAUNWYN ARE OUT
A Bravo spokesperson confirmed the departure of Kelly, Braunwyn and Elizabeth Lyn Vargas to Variety on Tuesday.
The RHOC stars’ contracts were not renewed for next season, which is set to start filming next month.
Current stars Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson will return for the upcoming season, while RHOC is expected to add one or two new women to the cast.
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