Tamra Judge made a major change while filming season 20 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” and her castmates apparently did not see it coming.
At the season 20 premiere party, Tamra told Extra TV that she took a different approach after a difficult season 19 and tried to stay out of the drama.
“I didn’t cause any drama [this season],” Tamra said. “[The cast is] all shocked.”
The longtime RHOC star explained that watching close friend Teddi Mellencamp battle stage four cancer changed her perspective and made her question whether she wanted to return to the show.
Tamra Judge Reveals Why She Let Her Guard Down on RHOC Season 20
“Last year was really difficult to me, and it was just so incredibly hard … I didn’t know if I wanted to come back, and I came back, and I think that watching a good friend go through stage four cancer and seeing how life can change so quickly,” Tamra explained.
She decided she did not need to play the same role she had in past seasons.
“I just said, ‘You know what, I don’t need to call people out. I don’t need to be the tough girl. I can let my guard down, which I’m not good at. I’m just not.’ I did that this season, and it was received very well,” she added.
Tamra did admit to one major confrontation. She said she fought with Vicki Gunvalson after Vicki discussed her estranged daughter, Sidney Barney, in a way Tamra did not appreciate.
“I got in one fight [with] Vicki. It was warranted. She did something not very nice and talked about my child,” Tamra said.
Despite the fight, Tamra said she, Vicki and Shannon Beador are currently “in a good spot.”
During a separate interview with Zachary Reality, Tamra also pushed back on the idea that she is always the villain.
“Am I the villain or am I just getting (expletive) done?” she asked.
As for what viewers can expect from the milestone season, Tamra promised plenty of action.
“I think that season 20 is insanity,” she said.
Tamra also celebrated the return of original cast member Jo De La Rosa and revealed that she hosted a party attended by about 12 former “RHOC” stars.
“I love Jo. There was a lot. I had a party and invited all of them that could make it. I think I had like 12 previous housewives come,” she said.
Tamra is also looking ahead to the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.” She said Porsha Williams believed the “RHOC” women brought plenty to the show.
“I think it was [Porsha Williams] that said, like, the [RHOC cast] is the one that brought it,” Tamra shared.
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” season 20 premieres Thursday, July 9, at 8/7c on Bravo.
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