The Southern Charm cast is no stranger to stirring up drama, and this season’s reunion promises to be no exception. According to cast member Shep Rose, two particular stars, Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, are set to be at the center of the action during the season 11 reunion.

“Craig and Austen are really going to feel the heat,” Shep revealed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on Friday, November 14. “Their differences are quite eye-opening. It’s genuine and raw,” he added.

When asked about the future of Craig and Austen’s friendship after the show’s conclusion, Shep, who counts both men among his close friends, shared his thoughts candidly.

“I believe they can remain friends,” Shep told Us. “However, they are both quite stubborn and set in their ways.”

Shep also noted that season 11 could be considered Craig Conover’s breakout season, particularly in the aftermath of his split from Paige DeSorbo. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly on Tuesday, July 29, Shep, 44, remarked that Craig, 36, takes on a significant role within the cast this season, contributing to what promises to be “interesting television.”

One of the issues Shep believes befell the pair is Craig’s tendency to “immerse himself” in his relationships. Following his very public split from Paige DeSorbo, Craig was single and therefore more available to his guy friends — for better or worse.

“I think you’re gonna see that, you know, he, for all intents and purposes, sort of isolated himself and really immersed himself in his relationship,” Shep said of Craig’s previous romance. “I don’t recommend that. I think you got to keep a nice balance, because when it doesn’t work out, unfortunately, you have to really recalibrate and reconnect.”

He continued, “And if you had stayed connected the whole time and been a little more forthcoming with your doubts and fears, which we all really should do, like, you should be vulnerable. It’s not a bad thing.”

For the uninitiated, Craig endured a very public breakup with his Summer House costar. Paige announced in December 2024 that she and Craig had parted ways after sparking a romance in 2021. Paige later revealed that she broke up with the Southern Charm star in November 2024 over Thanksgiving weekend.

Shortly after their split, the pair low-key sparred online, sharing conflicting accounts of their breakup. Craig claimed that he was “shocked” by the end of his relationship, while Paige was busy denying she cheated on her ex.

“What am I looking for in a guy?” DeSorbo asked while reading a question during a February episode of her “Giggly Squad” podcast, seemingly writing off dating for the time being. “For them to go away, is what I’m looking for. For them to turn around and not talk to me, is probably the No. 1 thing on my list. So this Valentine’s Day, it’s all about me.”

News later broke that Craig had joined the celebrity-approved dating app Raya, which he later admitted was just an attempt to get “validation.”

Craig Conover has grown up alongside Southern Charm costars Shep Rose and Austen Kroll — and season 10 will show an even more adult side to the trio. “I don’t think anyone will be let down,” Craig, 36, exclusively told Us Weekly of the upcoming Bravo season while promoting his partnership with Heluva Good! for […]

“It didn’t feel as good as I thought,” he told Andy Cohen in February.

Despite his friend and fellow costar isolating himself, Shep had nothing but positive things to say to Us about how Craig came back into the fold now that he’s single.

“I think he does a fantastic job,” Shep told Us. “I’m happy. I like single Craig.”

Shep also supports Craig’s many endeavors that also keep him away from his buddies — endeavors that don’t involve women.

“Whitney and I and Austin spend a lot of time together,” he explained. “We love Craig, and we stay in touch with Craig. Craig’s a busy man. He’s running all over and I respect that and support it.”