‘RHOC' Cast Tease Vicki Gunvalson's Big Return in Milestone 20th Season

The Real Housewives of Orange County cast is ready to bring the fun this summer.

As excitement continues to build for the premiere of season 20, many cast members are teasing what's to come behind the gates.

"I'm so excited about season 20. I think the fans will be too because I feel like it's really just a throwback to old school Housewives," Emily Simpson exclusively shared with Us Weekly at the 2026 Newport Beach TV Fest on Friday, June 5. "It felt to me the way Housewives felt when it first came out. It's the kooky ladies that are all friends that live behind the gates that are nutty, and I feel like that's the way it felt this season."

Over the weekend, Emily, 50, joined Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Jennifer Pedranti, Vicki Gunvalson and Gina Kirschenheiter at The Lido Theater in Newport Beach, California, to support Variety‘s Creative Impact in TV Award presentation and conversation with Andy Cohen.

Before reuniting with their boss, the ladies gave juicy teases to Us about what's to come. Keep reading to see what's ahead for season 20 and mark your calendars for the return of The Real Housewives of Orange County to Bravo on Thursday, July 9.

Tamra Judge

"I do think that we have a different season this year," Tamra, 58, previewed to Us. "It's more about friendship. It's the ups and downs, and not trying to kill each other."

While the cohost of iHeartRadio's "Two T's in a Pod" podcast predicted that Heather Dubrow may be in the hot seat at the reunion, "I wouldn't say there's a villain this year."

Shannon Beador

While Shannon, 62, is excited to have her friend Vicki, 64, back in the group, she's also pumped to have a "fun" season.

"I had such a great time. I laughed, I did silly, silly things," Shannon recalled. "I can't wait for people to see that. … I really think people are going to enjoy the season, because it's not always about fighting all the time. Of course, we have our disagreements, but people want to see fun too."

Emily Simpson

After advocating for Vicki's return to RHOC, Emily was thrilled to have the opportunity to film with the Coto Insurance founder.

"I think she's hilarious. I think she's amazing for reality TV," Emily shared with Us. "She was nutty and kooky and funny, and just, you know, Victoria. And so here we are, 20 years later, and she's back."

Gina Kirschenheiter

The real estate agent is back selling houses - and finding herself in the hot seat with the cast.

"I always find myself there naturally a little bit. It's never too bad," Gina, 42, explained. "Is it warranted? I never think so, but I think that's what makes us all housewives, right? … I always do the right thing. I apologize, and I get out of the hot seat."

When asked about Vicki's return, Gina warned, "Everything that comes out of her mouth is equal parts hysterical and f***ing nuts."

Jennifer Pedranti

As Jennifer, 48, continues to plan a wedding with fiancé Ryan Boyajian, the Devi Rebel Yoga co-owner admits she finds herself in the hot seat in season 20.

"A little bit, and it was warranted," she teased to Us. "I stepped into a little bit of a mess this season, but I did my best to step out."

Ultimately, she's not alone. When asked who is going to be in the most trouble when the reunion comes, Jennifer had some people in mind.

"Heather's going to say Heather. Heather took a little bit this season," she said. "Vicki would say Vicki."

Vicki Gunvalson

Before cameras started rolling, the OG of the OC said she wasn't nervous in the slightest.

"I was excited about being back and being with my girlfriends and showing everybody what I've been up to," she said. "I'm still really good friends with Shannon on and off camera, Tamra as well. It was easy."

Well, maybe not completely easy.

Vicki joked that she will likely be in the hot seat at the reunion and is "ready for it."

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 10:51 AM.