Vicki Gunvalson Admits Being “Jealous” and “Mad” About Tamra’s Return to RHOC, Says Heather Doesn’t Fit in

Credit: BauerGriffin/INSTARimages/Cover Images, Charles Sykes/Bravo

Vicki Gunvalson wasn’t happy when she learned that Tamra Judge would be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County in a full-time role for season 17.

Before confirming she filmed an episode or two of the upcoming season with Tamra and Shannon Beador, and shading Heather Dubrow‘s role on the Bravo reality series, Vicki admitted she was “jealous” and “mad” that she wasn’t asked to return as well.

“I was jealous, mad,” Vicki told Us Weekly on December 20. “I thought the phone would be ringing for [me]. I’m like, ‘Hello, [Andy Cohen], you’re not calling me!’”

But after having some time to accept the news, Vicki said she’s “so happy” for Tamra.

“She really wanted it more than me. She’s good TV,” she explained.

As RHOC fans well know, Vicki was featured from season one through season 13 in a full-time role, and she also appeared in season 14 as a “friend.” Meanwhile, Tamra starred in a full-time role from season three to season 14 before confirming her Bravo return in July, months after she and Vicki filmed the second season of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip together.

Looking back at her filming duties for season 17, Vicki said, “It was great. Loved it. Loved my girls.”

“I love my Tamra [and] Shannon and we’re good together,” she added.

As for a full-time return in the future, Vicki said, “That’s Bravo’s decision, right. And then, at that time, I address it. [But] my filming days hopefully aren’t over.”

Moving on to Heather, who returned to RHOC in 2021 for season 16 after a four-season hiatus, Vicki threw some shade at her former castmate.

“I don’t think Heather really fits in to Orange County anymore. I think she’s more — you know, she’s an actress and she does that. I just don’t know why she would wanna do that [show again],” Vicki explained.

She then suggested fame is likely Heather’s motivator.

“One of my managers told me years ago, ‘You either want fame or money, and fame is a drug it’s bad for you. But the people that want fame pay a price for it.’ So I just don’t know why she would want that chaos in her life,” Vicki stated. “I wouldn’t [do it] if I had that much money, there’s no way I’m doing a reality show.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 17 is expected to premiere on Bravo sometime in 2023.