The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Jo De La Rosa is open to filming more of the show after making a guest appearance on the season 18 finale.
“It was my first time meeting the entire cast,” Jo, 44, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Us Weekly + Pluto TV Reality Stars of the Year Party at the Dream Hotel earlier this month. “They were all new to me, and they were honestly the sweetest. Everyone was so kind to me. Some of them were like, ‘I used to watch you on your first season.’ To me, that was crazy surprising.”
Jo was one of the original cast members to document her life for Bravo when RHOC first premiered in March 2006. In the first two seasons, cameras rolled as she navigated her relationship with Slade Smiley. Once the pair broke up, Jo exited the series in 2007.
Nearly 17 years later, the reality star is happily married to musician Taran Gray and ready to start a whole new chapter in Orange County.
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“My husband just got a new client in Orange County, so he’s been driving down there four days a week. We actually have decided that we’re moving back to Orange County,” the Los Angeles resident explained when asked about a possible future with RHOC. “If there’s a world where it makes sense, amazing! If not, that’s okay. I’m here to support the girls.”
“It feels very full circle to me because when I was first [on the show], I had just gotten engaged at 23 and now I’m married,” Jo continued. “We’re trying to have a baby. It’s very full circle. She’s a grown up now, but not really. She’s forever 27.”
Although Bravo has yet to officially announce any plans for season 19, Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella and Alexis Bellino starred in a drama-filled season complete with a shocking trip to London.
If Slade and his fiancée, Gretchen Rossi, were ever asked to appear on the show again, Jo said she would be supportive.
“If Gretchen and Slade come back, I’m here for it. We could do a double date,” she told Us. “I would love for Gretchen and Slade to meet my husband. Gretchen and I are good. Everything is fine. I am a really big fan of having peace with your exes. They’re happy. They have a beautiful family. I’m happy. I have a beautiful husband. Everybody ended up exactly where we were meant to so I am here for it.”
No matter what happens with the show, Jo is confident she will be able to continue spending time with her pal Alexis as she prepares to marry John Janssen.
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After being friends for almost 10 years, Jo believes her girlfriend may not have received the “best edit” this season.
“Listen, I will die for that girl,” she said. “Alexis has a heart of gold that I don’t think a lot of people know. John is one of the most generous people that I’ve ever met. Every time we go to dinner, he picks up the bill. He’s the kindest human. … I really hope that there is a redemption to them and that people start to know who they really are.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes on Peacock.
