Vicki Gunvalson‘s run as the O.G. from the O.C. is officially over.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star announced her departure from the Bravo reality TV series on Friday.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, Vicki said it was “time to say goodbye” to RHOC, adding, “It’s been an incredible ride for 14 years and I want thank all of you for your support, for your love and for ‘whooping it up’ with me along the way.”
Her exit comes after Season 14 saw Vicki featured as a “friend” of the cast, as opposed to a full-fledged Housewife. The unexpected demotion shocked her fellow Bravolebrities at the time, but Vicki’s latest announcement isn’t a bombshell. During the RHOC reunion special, Vicki said she felt like a “has-been” next to her co-stars. Vicki’s defamation lawsuit against Bravo, which has since been dismissed, also left fans questioning her future on RHOC.
Don’t expect Vicki to stay unoccupied for long, though. She’s already promised a plethora of “exciting, empowering and inspirational” new projects.
“My podcast with Westwood One will be launching soon and I will have much more to say about this on Whoop It Up With Vicki,” she wrote. “I hope you will join me with my new journey so please stay tuned. I love all my fans, and I want to thank Bravo and Evolution for this incredible experience which my family and I have will never forget.”
John Tsiavis/Bravo Media
Andy Cohen sent his well wishes to Vicki, commenting, “OG” with a heart and orange emoji. Kyle Richards and Luann de Lesseps also sent their love via social media.
Last season’s cast starred Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Kelly Dodd, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson and Braunwyn Windham-Burke. The official cast for Season 15 has not yet been revealed, but Cohen had this to say when asked about the possibility of newcomers to the franchise.
“The casting for next season is some of the best casting we’ve had,” he shared on Jeff Lewis Live. “No matter how it shakes out, it’s going to be great because we have great casting. It’s hard to make moves when you don’t have a bench, both on the show and casting wise.”
Gunvalson, 57, appeared on every season of RHOC since its inception in 2006.
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