Gretchen Rossi is reportedly leaving The Real Housewives of Orange County again.

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Gretchen, 47, is not returning for the Bravo reality series' upcoming 20th season, Variety reported.

The Real Housewives of Orange County's 20th season is expected to begin filming soon.

Gretchen joined The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 4 in 2008, and she continued starring on the show through the end of Season 8 in 2013.

After appearing as a guest on Season 12 in 2017, Gretchen appeared in a part-time "friend of" role on Season 19.

Gretchen previously revealed that her comeback on Season 19 was a big deal because she had rejected the opportunity several times before.

In a July 2025 interview on the "I Do, Part 2" podcast, Gretchen explained that "for a long time, it was an absolute no," according to Us Weekly.

Gretchen said at the time that she and fiance Slade Smiley needed a "break" after being scrutinized.

"I honestly said no three times," she shared at the time.

"They kept making offers, and I said, 'No, no, no.' Finally, they ended up making an offer that we couldn't refuse, and we felt good about. That's why we decided to finally say 'yes.' That's the honest truth."

Fellow cast member Katie Ginella revealed earlier this month on Instagram that she definitely won't be back for Season 20.

"After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with Season 20 without me," Katie said.

Katie, who had been caught in multiple lies, added of her apparent firing, "While disappointing, it's not entirely surprising after seeing how season 19 played out."

Katie continued in her post, "I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support I received -- it was seen, felt and deeply appreciated."

The reality TV star pointed out how "representation matters," before adding, "And I'm proud to have shown up authentically, even when it wasn't easy."

"This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don't end here. Love, Katie," she concluded.

However, Variety reported that the rest of the Season 19 cast will be reprising their role for the show's milestone 20th season.

That means Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti, Shannon Storms Beador, and Tamra Judge are all expected to return.

And while Bravo has yet to formally announce the Season 20 cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Vicki Gunvalson already confirmed her participation.

Executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise, Andy Cohen, had surprised Vicki -- who was an original Housewife when the show debuted in 2006 -- onstage during BravoCon 2025 in November.

"Vicki, would you join us as a Housewife for Season 20?" Andy asked Vicki, 63.

Vicki happily accepted Andy's offer.

A premiere date for The Real Housewives of Orange County's 20th season has yet to be announced.

Season 19 of the Bravo reality series had premiered in July 2025 and wrapped in November.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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