Anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the 20th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, slated for a 2026 premiere on Bravo. As is tradition, speculation around the show’s casting is rampant, with recent rumors suggesting that Emily Simpson might be leaving the series. However, Gina Kirschenheiter seems to have put those rumors to rest.

Credit: Instagram

Details about the upcoming season remain scarce, but a significant development is the confirmed return of Vicki Gunvalson, 63, as a full-time cast member. Gunvalson has also revealed that filming is set to kick off in February 2026. This return comes on the heels of her participation in The Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip.

Meanwhile, Gina, 41, took to Instagram to promote Emily Simpson’s podcast, Legally Brunette. In a playful video, she and Emily are seen dancing to the iconic Law & Order theme song. Yet, it was a comment on the post that caught the most attention.

A concerned viewer expressed their dismay over the rumors of Emily’s departure, writing, “Ok I’m a little upset that people are spreading around Emily is getting fired. Please don’t let this be true.” Gina quickly reassured fans by replying, “Absolutely not.”

Someone said, “Ok I’m a little upset that people are spreading around Emily is getting fired. Please don’t let this be true.” Gina responded to this comment, saying, “Absolutely not.” 

Fans began to speculate in December 2025 that Emily had been fired. The fan account Britanis said on X, “BREAKING NEWS! ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ Star, Emily Simpson, has been FIRED ahead of upcoming milestone 20th season. Fans are ‘cheering with joy’, one source reports.”

Before this, Bravo & Cocktails received a report about the future of the show. They said in November 2025 that Gina, Tamra Judge, 58, Heather Dubrow, 56, Shannon Beador, 61, and Jennifer Pedranti, 48, would all return for season 20. The report also stated that Emily, Katie Ginella, and Gretchen Rossi were “on the bubble,” meaning their futures with the show were uncertain. 

It was also said at the time that Jeana Keough, 70, Jo De La Rosa, 45, Lauri Peterson, 65, Kimberly Bryant, 58, and Alexis Bellino, 48, would make guest appearances. 

That’s not all. It has also been rumored that former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jacqueline Laurita, 55, had been approached to join. Notably, she moved to Orange County in June 2023 after previously living in Las Vegas for some time. It’s also worth noting that, more recently, it was rumored that Heather quit the series. 

Who would you like to see on RHOC season 20?