Continuing the long tradition of bringing back beloved stars from seasons past, Bravo announced on Jan. 29 that none other than Gretchen Christine Rossi will be making her triumphant return to the Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19. It’s big news in the Real Housewives world, as Gretchen has not returned to the show since she was fired after Season 8 back in 2013.

Gretchen Rossi Returning To Legacy Housewives Franchise

Gretchen joined the affluent coastal housewives as part of the cast during Season 4 in 2008, showcasing her life as a young Orange County woman who enjoyed the finer things in life. Her engagement to Jeff Beitzel, who was 24 years older than her, caused the other women to question her motives in the relationship, as Jeff was a successful businessman who worked in the automotive industry. Gretchen defended her relationship, maintaining that her love for Jeff was real, but the subject of their relationship remained a focal point on the show. Jeff passed away from cancer in 2008.

Gretchen, who worked as a real estate agent, remained on the show, eventually launching her own beauty line, Gretchen Christine Beaute, and a line of handbags, Gretchen Christine Handbags. She also began dating serial housewives’ boyfriend, Slade Smiley, who had previously dated Jo De La Rosa during Season 1 and was rumored to have romanced Lauri Peterson, another RHOC housewife.

But naysayers be damned, because Gretchen and Slade are still together to this day. They are the parents of 5-year-old Skylar and while not legally married, they’ve been engaged since 2013. They still live in California and are both active on social media.

Gretchen’s Return Was Unexpected

While Gretchen has appeared to distance herself from the reality franchise that made her famous, and remained somewhat out of the spotlight, she’s clearly ready for her comeback. Well, she may have been ready for her comeback when she joined the cast of the Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip Season 4, but that season will most likely never see the light of day due to legal issues between castmembers Caroline Manzo and Brandi Glanville.

The announcement was unexpected to most, as there hadn’t been any whisperings of Gretchen returning to the show. Still, fans commenting on Bravo’s post expressed excitement:

“LFG! Welcome back Gretchen!”

“HOLD ONTO YOUR DADDIES, GIRLS. HERE COMES GRETCHEN.”

“We really just keep winning wow”

“I AM BACK FROM BASS LAKE AND FULLY SEATED FOR THIS”

Gretchen follows in the footsteps of her former castmate, Alexis Bellino, who also left the show after Season 8, but returned for Season 18 amidst her relationship with John Janssen, another serial housewives’ dater. He had previously been in a relationship with RHOC star Shannon Beador, and Shannon’s conflicts with John and Alexis fueled much of the fire during Season 18.

Still, Bravo announced that Alexis’ return was short-lived, as she wasn’t asked back for Season 19.

A release date for Season 19 of RHOC was not announced and no other cast announcements have been made.