Lara Sophia 
She’s back! Alexis Bellino has officially rejoined the RHOC cast in a ‘friend’ role for season 18. Get all the details on Alexis’ return and more.
Alexis Bellino, who was an Orange County Housewife from seasons 5 through 8, has rejoined the Real Housewives of Orange County cast in a friend role, per Page Six.
“Alexis is back!” a production told the out, adding that the RHOC alum is expected to film for the entirety of season 18.
On Tuesday, Alexis Bellino started filming and shot her first group scene with Heather Dubrow and Emily Simpson.
The trio enjoyed a meal and espresso martinis together in Orange County, per TMZ, who obtained a photo of the outing.
A source tells PEOPLE that despite Alexis Bellino living her life away from the Bravo cameras for over a decade her return to the fold was made easy due to her authentic connections with several members of the RHOC cast.
“Alexis is feeling energized and excited to be back in the mix,” says the source. “She has authentic relationships with many of the girls, so it feels completely natural to be spending time with friends.”
As AllAboutTRH previously reported, Alexis was asked back to RHOC mainly due to her ongoing relationship with Shannon Beador‘s ex-boyfriend John Janssen.
“Her relationship with John is certainly interesting,” one insider previously revealed, “but it’s not the only reason producers want Alexis back. She’s a dynamic personality who has history with a good portion of the cast.”
At BravoCon, Alexis admitted she would be open to reprising her status as a Housewife. In December, Alexis told Page Six that she’d “never say never” to returning to RHOC but noted that her return would probably “start a little drama” with Shannon amid her new relationship with John.
Alexis pointed out that she doesn’t “really care” what Shannon thinks of her relationship with John.
“Here’s the truth,” she said, “I have never met Shannon, I have never worked with Shannon. I wish her nothing but the best in life.”
Shannon, on the other hand, has expressed her anger towards John dating Alexis of all people.
In December 2023, Shannon opened up to E! News that John’s relationship with Alexis is especially hurtful because of the lawsuit Alexis’ ex-husband, Jim Bellino, filed against her in 2018.
“John is very well aware of a lawsuit that I was involved in with Jim Bellino,” the 59-year-old RHOC star said. “Alexis was involved in the lawsuit. I was financially and emotionally devastated for years. I won, but it devastated me financially…John’s aware of that.”
Shannon also questioned why John would start a relationship with another reality star, considering John’s claims he hates being in the public eye.
According to Shannon, John never enjoyed being “in the public eye, and [now] he’s thrust himself more into the public eye at this point. So I’m quite confused about that.”
Despite John and Alexis only dating for less than three months, the Orange County businessman already gave the former RHOC star a promise ring for Christmas. They two have also already said, ‘I love you’ to each other.
Now, all Bravo fans have to do is sit back and watch for fireworks to go down between Alexis and Shannon while filming season 18 of RHOC.
This casting move may the best thing to happen to the RHOC franchise in a very long time!
The Real Housewives of Orange County will return for season 18 in mid-to-late 2024.
