Why did Alexis Bellino leave 'RHOC'? Orange County Housewife to return to Bravo show after 5 years
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Alexis Bellino is back. The reality TV star is set to return to 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' as a "friend" for Season 18. And, like an orange, the drama this time around is sure to be juicy. Alexis is currently dating John Janssen, the ex-partner of 'RHOC' co-star Shannon Storms Beador.
Shannon wasn't thrilled to hear about the couple's courtship, to say the least. Adding to the intrigue, in 2018, Jim Bellino, Alexis's ex-husband, filed a defamation lawsuit against Shannon.
But ultimately, the 'RHOC' cast member prevailed in her case. Despite the legal battles, Alexis has made it clear that she couldn't care less about what people think of her relationship with John.
Before making things official with John, Alexis was reportedly set to make her comeback on 'RHOC' comeback, an insider exclusively told Us Weekly. "Alexis had already been in talks to return to 'RHOC' before she even started seeing John," the source explained. "Her relationship with him had nothing to do with her returning to the show."
Additionally, the insider mentioned that Alexis has been "fantastic" during her appearances in front of the camera with her co-stars. She was photographed filming alongside Emily Simpson and Heather Dubrow in January.
"She’s constantly engaged with the other housewives," the source teased. "And she’s providing and driving a lot of [the] storyline on the show." According to a press release for the new season, which will air on Bravo on Thursday, July 11 at 9/8c, Alexis is "in full force [and] ready to make waves."
When did 'RHOC' star Alexis Bellino start dating John Janssen?
A big step in their relationship is on the horizon for Alexis and her boyfriend, John. The 'RHOC' friend hinted in an interview with The Daily Dish on Tuesday, July 2 that she is likely getting engaged to her partner within the next year.
"Honestly, I think he's trying to throw me off. I know it's coming because we did go ring shopping together. So it's definitely around the corner," the mother of three revealed during the exclusive interview. "That could be tomorrow. It could be six months from now. I honestly don't know, because he is throwing a lot of little things in my direction."
Alexis went on to discuss the possibility of a proposal, saying, "I think he's just trying to keep me confused. So I don't know ... I mean, America will know when it happens. We won’t be quiet about it.”
Apart from discussing their potential wedding and merging their families, Alexis recently disclosed that she and John are moving into a new apartment together. During the June 14 episode of the 'Two Ts In A Pod' podcast, Alexis discussed her romantic life and revealed that she and John were living together, albeit informally.
"We do stay together almost seven nights a week now," she revealed. In the interview, Alexis also mentioned that she and John were "talking about [an engagement]." "It could be tomorrow; it can happen six months from now," she stated. "I do know it’s coming because we already talked about our entire future. We already have a plan in place," she added.
It was reported that Alexis began seeing John in November 2023, having called off her engagement to Andy "Drew" Bohn in September 2023. On Christmas Day 2023, the star of 'RHOC' made her relationship official on Instagram by sharing a picture of themselves with two rings he had given her.
Heather Dubrow promises fireworks with Alexis Bellino's return to 'RHOC'
The news of Alexis returning for Season 18 of 'RHOC' excites Heather Dubrow. "I’ve been campaigning for Alexis to come back for a few years now," Heather said.
"So I was thrilled that she was coming back. But as you know, truth is stranger than fiction, and who could have predicted the John Janssen of it all? So, it’s interesting; I mean, it’s quite a season," she added.
Heather is undoubtedly alluding to the controversy surrounding Alexis's current relationship with Shannon's former partner, John. There will undoubtedly be fireworks in Season 18. Regarding any potential hostility between Shannon and Alexis, Heather disclosed to PEOPLE, "No, Alexis is a really lovely girl. She wouldn’t hurt a fly intentionally."
Shannon Storms Beador is not thrilled about her ex John Janssen dating 'RHOC' costar Alexis Bellino
Shannon has been quite upfront about her ex-partner's relationship with a former cast member. She has stated that she is still processing and feels "hurt" by their relationship, particularly in light of John's earlier declaration that he was sick of being in the spotlight.
She questioned, "How many Orange County housewives have there been? Is that your dating pool?" Shannon dated John for almost four years before he "blindsided" her by ending things in late 2022. They were unable to go past their incessant "bickering." She claimed to be distraught at first and that she couldn't stop sobbing.
Eventually, the two grew close, but Shannon's arrest in September for allegedly running away after drinking too much caused tension in their friendship once more.
Why did Alexis Bellino quit 'RHOC'?
Alexis joined the main cast of 'RHOC' in 2009 and appeared in seasons five through eight. She did not return for Season 9 but made a guest appearance in Season 14.
According to Star Magazine, she was fired from the Bravo reality series before the ninth season, reportedly due to her lack of storyline at the time.
'The Real Housewives of Orange County' Season 18 airs on Bravo on July 11 at 9/8c.
