Gretchen Rossi is back on Real Housewives of Orange County. The former orange-holder appears as a “friend of” on Season 19 alongside her former co-stars Tamra Judge and Heather Dubrow. The 46-year-old appeared on RHOC for four seasons before departing from the franchise back in 2013. So, why did Gretchen leave the show? And what has she been up to since her exit? We have the answers. Here’s what you need to know.
Why did Gretchen Rossi quit RHOC?
Gretchen was reportedly let go from Real Housewives of Orange County after Season 8. An inside source told E! News that she and co-star Alexis Bellino were not asked to return.
“Neither will be returning for season nine,” the source revealed. “The feeling is both of their journeys on the show have come to an end … Bravo is constantly looking at the casting and dynamics and it felt like time for a change.”
Some fans speculated that Gretchen’s desire to control the narrative on RHOC may have led to her firing, but that is unconfirmed. Others suggested her feud with Tamra may be to blame, but Bravo has not addressed the claim.
What did Gretchen do after Jeff Beitzel died?
Gretchen was engaged to Jeff Beitzel, a man 23 years her senior, when she made her debut on RHOC. Jeff was fighting cancer at the time, and fans speculated that Gretchen wanted money out of the relationship. Despite the rumors, Gretchen always maintained that her relationship with Jeff was based on love, not money. When Jeff lost his battle with cancer in 2008, Gretchen received $2.5 million from his trust, TMZ reported.
Gretchen began dating RHOC alum Slade Smiley in 2009. The two faced many hardships on the show but remained a united front. They are currently engaged and have a daughter together.
Real Housewives of Orange County is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
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