Alexis Bellino has confirmed she's leaving Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County.

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"After three seasons of appearing on The Real Housewives of Orange County, I have made the difficult decision not to return for season 8. Although Bravo made me a very generous offer and I'm thankful to have had this experience, I will be leaving the show behind to focus on my family and other opportunities," Bellino said in a statement obtained by People.

Bellino, who has a five-year-old son James and four-year-old twin daughters Melania and Mackenna, appeared on The Real Housewives of Orange County for three seasons.

"I am so grateful to have gone through this amazing journey and to have met so many incredible fans. My heart is at peace and I remain so excited for my future," the reality TV star added. 

Bellino's statement suggests her decision to leave The Real Housewives franchise was a tough, emotional one because she had a great experience on the show.  However, according to Us Weekly -- which had reported Bellino was planning to leave the show last week -- that wasn't the case.

"Alexis was really tired of being bullied and chose home and family life over celebrity. [She] wanted to go back to her simple life in Orange County," a source told Us.

Bellino had failed to get along with fellow Housewives Tamra Barney, Gretchen Rossi and Heather Dubrow during The Real Housewives of Orange County's most recent seventh season.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.