Kelly Dodd’s Unfiltered Take: Tamra Judge’s RHOC Return Welcome, But Vicki Gunvalson Isn’t “Pretty Enough” for TV
The ever-candid Kelly Dodd, a prominent figure on The Real Housewives of Orange County, has once again stirred the pot with her unfiltered opinions regarding potential cast changes for the hit Bravo series. In a recent exclusive interview, Dodd offered a surprising endorsement for the return of her long-time frenemy, Tamra Judge, while simultaneously delivering a scathing assessment of another former castmate, Vicki Gunvalson, stating unequivocally that Gunvalson lacks the aesthetic appeal for television. This revelation comes amidst ongoing speculation about cast shake-ups and the future dynamics of the Orange County housewives.
For months, whispers and rumors have swirled regarding the possible comeback of Tamra Judge to The Real Housewives of Orange County. Judge herself has publicly expressed interest in reprising her role, hinting that she would be open to a return if the opportunity arose. What truly captivated fans and industry insiders alike, however, was the unexpected stance taken by her former on-screen rival. Kelly Dodd, known for her polarizing takes, revealed to HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY that she would genuinely be pleased to see her tumultuous, on-again/off-again nemesis back on the highly popular Bravo reality show.
Dodd’s willingness to welcome Judge back marks a significant shift in their often-strained relationship. “If she wants to come back — Tamra and I, we used to talk every single day on the phone and then she did some pretty crappy things to me,” Kelly openly admitted during an Instagram Live interview on January 20. She elaborated on their complex history, acknowledging past grievances but demonstrating a readiness to move forward. “But if she wants to come back and they want to bring her back, bring her back,” Dodd asserted with a dismissive wave of her hand, suggesting that personal history wouldn’t stand in the way of a potentially exciting cast dynamic. “I’m happy to have her back if she wants to come back and they want to bring her. I don’t have any ill will feelings about Tamra at all.” This statement provides a clear indication that Dodd is prepared to set aside past animosities, perhaps for the greater good of the show’s entertainment value, or perhaps due to a perceived shift in their personal dynamic.
The relationship between Kelly Dodd and Tamra Judge has been a rollercoaster of dramatic highs and lows throughout their shared time on RHOC. From close friendships and shared vacations to explosive arguments and public spats, their history is rich with compelling storylines. Fans have witnessed their bond strengthen and shatter multiple times, making Dodd’s current endorsement all the more intriguing. It suggests a pragmatic approach to reality television, where the allure of a captivating storyline might supersede personal grievances. Dodd’s sentiment underscores the transient nature of alliances within the high-stakes world of reality TV, where today’s foe can become tomorrow’s unexpected ally.
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Dodd didn’t stop at merely tolerating Tamra’s return; she expressed a clear preference for Judge over another current castmate. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Tamra for whatever reason,” she continued to us, reflecting on their complicated bond. “She’s done some sh***y things to me, but I can safely say I would take Tamra over Braunwyn [Windham–Burke] 100 million times over. If they want to bring [Tamra] back, I’ll give her open arms. That’s it.” This unequivocal statement highlights the significant tension that has permeated the current season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, particularly between Kelly and Braunwyn, and illustrates how deeply these on-screen relationships influence casting perspectives.
The ongoing feud between Kelly Dodd and Braunwyn Windham-Burke has been a central narrative point throughout the season. Along with many of her current co-stars, Kelly has openly clashed with Braunwyn, with the latter frequently being labeled a “hypocrite” by her fellow housewives. The animosity reached a fever pitch when Kelly publicly accused Braunwyn of faking her alcoholism for a storyline, a serious accusation that sent shockwaves through the fan base and added another layer of complexity to their already strained dynamic. Given the intensity of this conflict, it comes as no surprise that Dodd would readily welcome Tamra Judge back into the fold, especially if it meant a potential shift in the cast dynamics away from Braunwyn. The prospect of Tamra’s return, therefore, isn’t just about rekindling an old friendship, but potentially altering the entire group’s energy.
The drama surrounding Braunwyn has seemingly pushed Kelly to see Tamra in a more favorable light, transforming their past rivalry into a preference. While Tamra Judge is renowned for her own share of feuds and controversial moments during her 12 seasons on RHOC, her clashes often brought a level of directness and entertainment that, in Kelly’s eyes, might be preferable to the current tensions. The “100 million times over” comment is not just hyperbole; it speaks volumes about the depth of Kelly’s dissatisfaction with Braunwyn’s presence and her perceived impact on the show’s overall authenticity and enjoyment factor.
However, while Tamra Judge might find an open door back into Kelly Dodd’s good graces, another iconic figure from The Real Housewives of Orange County faces a starkly different reception. Along with Braunwyn, original cast member Vicki Gunvalson is someone Kelly Dodd emphatically does not want to see return to the show. Gunvalson, who announced her departure from the series in January 2020 after an impressive 15 seasons, appears to be firmly on Kelly’s blacklist. Dodd’s reasoning for excluding the “OG of the OC” was notably blunt and, for some, quite shocking.
“I don’t think Vicki fits into the group. She just doesn’t,” Kelly stated, elaborating on her perceived disconnect. But Dodd didn’t stop there; she proceeded to deliver a truly cutting remark that targeted Gunvalson’s appearance and overall suitability for television. “At least Tamra is pretty to look at, she’s got a good body, she’s got a good husband, she’s a go getter at things and she’s fun.” This direct comparison between Tamra and Vicki, particularly the focus on physical attributes and personal life achievements as criteria for fitting into a reality television ensemble, sparked immediate reactions. The implication that Vicki lacks the necessary “prettiness” for TV is a harsh judgment, reflecting the often superficial demands and perceived standards within the entertainment industry.
The “prettiness” comment, while undeniably sharp, also provides insight into Kelly Dodd’s perception of what makes a successful reality television personality. Beyond just physical appearance, she highlighted Tamra’s “good body,” “good husband,” and “go-getter” spirit, alongside her ability to be “fun.” These are qualities often celebrated within the Housewives franchise, which thrives on aspirational lifestyles, glamorous aesthetics, and dynamic personalities. By contrasting Vicki with these perceived ideals, Kelly implicitly suggests that Vicki no longer embodies the essence that RHOC viewers, or at least she herself, desire in a cast member. This is a significant blow to Gunvalson, who has long been a foundational pillar of the show, earning the moniker “OG of the OC” for her pioneering role.
Vicki Gunvalson’s departure from RHOC after 15 seasons marked the end of an era for many fans. As the last remaining original cast member, her presence had been synonymous with the show’s identity. While she transitioned to a “friend of” role in her final season, her eventual exit was a poignant moment for the franchise. Kelly Dodd’s current assessment, however, suggests that even a beloved OG like Vicki can lose her appeal in the ever-evolving landscape of reality television. The “yikes!” reaction to Kelly’s comments, as noted by many, highlights the controversial nature of such a public and personal critique.
The debate over who “fits” and who doesn’t on The Real Housewives of Orange County is perpetual, fueled by fan expectations, network decisions, and, of course, the cast members’ own often-blunt opinions. Kelly Dodd’s recent interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the internal politics and preferences shaping the show’s future. Her unexpected welcome for Tamra Judge, juxtaposed with her strong rejection of Vicki Gunvalson, paints a clear picture of who she believes brings the most to the table, both in terms of personality and on-screen presence.
As the current season of RHOC concluded, fans were left anticipating the reunion special, where many of these simmering tensions and opinions were expected to boil over. Kelly Dodd’s insights not only set the stage for these dramatic confrontations but also offered a peek into the potential casting decisions that could shape the next season. The dynamic between Kelly, Tamra, Vicki, and Braunwyn continues to be a central talking point for viewers and critics alike, underscoring the enduring appeal of the reality series.
For those eager to delve deeper into Kelly’s uncensored thoughts on the current season of RHOC, including what to expect from the remainder of the reunion special, the full exclusive interview, originally cited as being available above, offers more unfiltered commentary from the outspoken housewife. Her candidness, though often controversial, is precisely what keeps fans engaged and talking about the show.
The landscape of The Real Housewives of Orange County is perpetually in flux, a testament to the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of reality television. As cast members come and go, their personal opinions on each other frequently dictate the potential for future returns and new alliances. Kelly Dodd’s recent remarks underscore the delicate balance of friendships, rivalries, and perceived entertainment value that ultimately influences who gets to hold an orange. Whether Tamra Judge will indeed make a grand return, or if Vicki Gunvalson will ever be reconsidered, remains to be seen, but Kelly Dodd has certainly made her preferences clear.
Want more of the drama and luxury? New episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County typically air Wednesdays at 9pm on Bravo, providing regular doses of the unfiltered reality and high-stakes drama that fans have come to love and expect from the iconic franchise.