The Real Housewives of Orange County is about to undergo a real, big change.
On Friday, Jennifer Armstrong and Noella Bergener both announced they would NOT be returning for Season 17 of the beloved Bravo franchise.
Both women only just joined the program this past season, too.
But that was all it apparently took for producers to agree a shake-up was needed.
“I loved opening up about being a working mom on Real Housewives of Orange County,” wrote Armstrong on Instagram.
“I am so grateful to have had the privilege to talk about my father, my kids, and a real modern relationship on national television.
“My family and my work are the most important aspects of my life, so I am stepping away from RHOC and focusing on them.”
Not sounding bitter at all, Armstrong added:
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out in support — especially from the working moms. Women can really have it all if you work for it.
“I believe in you, and I’ll still be here to chat about it with you. I love inspiring people to be their best.
“I am forever grateful for the friends I made, and the lovely people at @bravo & @evolutionmedia. Here’s to the next chapter, and I hope you’ll follow along for the journey.
“There are so many exciting things to come, so stay tuned.”
At just about the same time Armstrong released the above statement, Bergener wrote:
After a wild season of ups and downs, I will not be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
I am so grateful to Bravo, Andy Cohen, and Evolution Media for giving me this incredible platform to share my story.
Thank you to all of the fans for all of the love and support during quite possibly the hardest year of my life. I am looking forward to brighter skies ahead, and can’t wait to share what’s next.
These departures come nearly three months after the The Real Housewives of Orange County season 16 reunion aired.
Throughout the season, viewers witnessed Noella’s marriage to her ex-husband James Bergener fall apart after he cheated on her.
(The star had made made history as the show’s first Black and openly bisexual cast member.)
Armstrong, meanwhile, dealt with her own marriage woes on camera, ultimately filing for divorce from husband Ryne Holliday in June.
The pair share three children: twins Vera and Vince, 10, and Robert Valor, 9.
Their divorce has yet to be finalized, although Armstrong is seeking legal and physical custody of their three children, offering Holliday visitation rights.
As for what the future now holds for the franchise?
Heather Dubrow returned to the series last year after staring on the show in seasons 7 through 11.
Other Housewives last season were returning favorites Shannon Storms Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson.
Production is expected to get underway on Season 17 later this month, and it’s unknown at this time if any other changes will be made.
Source: HollyWood Gossip
