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The Real Housewives of New Jersey has been off the air since its contentious 14th season wrapped up in 2024. However, it seems Bravo is moving closer to bringing the show back, and Teresa Giudice has shown interest in mending her strained relationship with her brother Joe Gorga and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga.

Despite Teresa’s intentions, a new report suggests that the Gorgas remain skeptical of her motives.

Rumors have circulated that some of the RHONJ cast members, excluding Teresa, have been participating in test shoots with potential new additions to the show. Teresa has denied these claims, famously questioning, “Does the professor ever take the test?” During interviews, including one with Jeff Lewis, she expressed openness to reconciling with Joe and Melissa.

In a recent episode of the “I Do, Part 2” podcast, Teresa mentioned that her stint on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” had offered her a new perspective, prompting her to reach out to Joe and Melissa. Joe has since confirmed receiving a text from Teresa.

This comes as a rumor has surfaced that Teresa attempted to reconcile with her brother some time ago, but Melissa stood in the way. A source told Radar Online, “I do not believe that’s true.”

Another insider provided the outlet with more context, saying, “Melissa would never stand in the way of Joe making up with his sister if that’s something he truly wanted. Teresa literally stood on national TV calling Melissa a w—- the last time they were filming RHONJ, and now suddenly she wants to make up when her spot on the show is potentially in question.”

The person continued, “She’s also been called desperate for doing this, which she isn’t taking well. People are trying to claim she wanted to do this a long time ago, but Melissa got in the way. It seems like it’s an attempt to make rekindling seem like something Teresa has always wanted to do, so the timing isn’t called into question. But that’s simply not the case.”

Regarding how Joe and Melissa feel about Teresa all of a sudden wanting to make up, the person said, “They think it’s a publicity stunt.” They then said, “Joe and Melissa would be absolutely ridiculous to fall for this.”

The insider then spoke to part of Teresa’s reasoning for wanting to repair her relationship with Joe and Melissa. They stated that she’s “freaking out financially” over the uncertainty that she will be asked back to RHONJ. Penny Drossos Karagiorgis, a former friend of the show, also spoke to Radar Online about Teresa possibly reconciling with the Gorgas. 

She said, “I’m happy they’re trying to reunite as they should. They need to lean on each other. Spouses come and go, but siblings are for life. But then it’s Teresa. She’s manipulating, so I think her desire to make up is fake. Joe will go in real, but she’s all about money, so it’s a 50-50 [if she’s being sincere].”

Penny continued, “As much as I wish she was [sincere], I think she’s desperate and that’s going to be her storyline, making up with Joe to get back on the show, and then the next season she’s going to be fighting again. Plus, Melissa isn’t dumb. She won’t fall for it unless she needs Teresa as a storyline as well. Teresa has no one really on her side to defend her, either.”

Still, other insiders have previously spoken to the outlet and stated that Teresa is being genuine in her desire to move forward with Joe and Melissa.

Currently, many fans are hoping for an announcement concerning RHONJ at BravoCon in November, as Melissa, Teresa, and other cast members will be featured on various panels.