The cast of ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ is about to look a whole lot different, with some very familiar faces NOT returning for the new season … TMZ has learned.
Production sources tell us the show is set to start production in July, but cast members Braunwyn Windham-Burke, Kelly Dodd-Leventhal, and Elizabeth Lyn Vargas will not be a part of the production.
It’s currently unclear if it was a decision by Bravo to not bring the women back or if it was a mutual thing … but either way, they won’t be on camera. We’re told some women — including those who are making a return — learned of the network’s decision early Tuesday night.
As for the women returning — we’re told Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson will all be back. We’re also told Heather Dubrow — wife of “Botched” Doc Terry Dubrow — will make a return to the series, she was previously on seasons 7-11.
As we reported, Dodd came under fire back in January when she was spotted mocking COVID at a restaurant with friends, leading a group cheers, while someone in her group appeared to call the gathering “super-spreaders.”
It’s unclear if the controversy had anything to do with her exit from the franchise.