Gretchen Rossi Exits 'RHOC' After Brief Season 19 Return

Reality star's comeback on the show was short-lived as she will not appear in the upcoming 20th season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:47am

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Gretchen Rossi's return to The Real Housewives of Orange County has come to an end after just one season. The 47-year-old reality star, who previously starred as a full-time Housewife from 2008 to 2013 and made a guest appearance in 2017, will not be appearing in the show's upcoming 20th season.

Why it matters

Rossi's exit marks a quick end to her brief comeback on the long-running Bravo reality series, which has seen a number of cast shakeups in recent seasons. Her departure follows news that fellow Housewife Katie Ginella is also leaving the show.

The details

Rossi had been hesitant to return to the franchise after years away, saying she needed a break from the scrutiny. However, the network was persistent in their offers, and she ultimately agreed to join the cast as a 'friend' for season 19. Most of the season 19 cast is expected to return for the milestone 20th season, along with longtime fan favorite Vicki Gunvalson, who was invited back by host Andy Cohen.

  • Gretchen Rossi starred as a full-time Housewife on RHOC from 2008 to 2013.
  • Rossi made a guest appearance on RHOC in 2017.
  • Rossi returned as a 'friend' of the cast for RHOC season 19 in 2025.
  • Rossi will not be appearing in RHOC's upcoming 20th season in 2026.

The players

Gretchen Rossi

A 47-year-old reality star who previously starred as a full-time cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County from 2008 to 2013, and made a guest appearance in 2017, before briefly returning as a 'friend' of the cast for season 19 in 2025.

Andy Cohen

The host of The Real Housewives franchise, who invited longtime fan favorite Vicki Gunvalson to return as a Housewife for RHOC's 20th season.

Vicki Gunvalson

A longtime fan favorite on The Real Housewives of Orange County, who was invited back as a Housewife for the show's 20th season.

Katie Ginella

A Housewife who is also leaving The Real Housewives of Orange County after two seasons on the show.

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What they’re saying

“For a long time, it was an absolute no. We definitely needed that break. We got scrutinized a lot.”

— Gretchen Rossi

“I honestly said no three times. They kept making offers, and I said, 'No, no, no.' Finally, they ended up making an offer that we couldn't refuse.”

— Gretchen Rossi

“While disappointing, it's not entirely surprising. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don't end here.”

— Katie Ginella

The takeaway

Gretchen Rossi's brief return to The Real Housewives of Orange County highlights the ongoing cast shakeups and evolving dynamics within the long-running Bravo reality franchise, as it prepares to celebrate its 20th season.