Tamra Judge is back in front of the cameras, filming for The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) after a dramatic exit that had fans buzzing with speculation. Just a little over a week ago, on March 9, 2025, the reality star announced her departure from the show in an Instagram post, stating, "When life gives you real problems, this reality shit doesn’t make sense. Peace out. I’m out." Now, she’s seen back on set as if nothing happened.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Judge was spotted filming scenes at Ospi, an Italian restaurant in Costa Mesa, alongside her co-star Heather Dubrow. The two were reportedly deep in conversation, with overheard mentions of fellow cast member Gretchen Rossi, suggesting tension regarding the previous heated exchanges during cast trips in New Orleans.
According to sources, the trip to New Orleans was marred by turmoil that led to Tamra's emotional meltdown. The fallout included a purported shouting match not only with Rossi but potentially involving Shannon Beador, adding fuel to the ongoing drama that RHOC is known for. Tamra, who has been part of the series since its third season, seemed overwhelmed and emotionally drained, largely due to the ongoing health crisis of her close friend, Teddi Mellencamp. Andy Cohen, during a radio show, remarked on the situation, stating, "The thing that is at the top of my mind is one of her best friends, if not her best friend, is going through an incredibly intense health crisis." This context added a personal layer to her departure.
After her exit, Tamra took a brief hiatus to reset. She headed to Big Bear, California, where she shared on the podcast "Two T’s in a Pod," hosted by Dolores Catania, how the break allowed her to recharge. "I am home now in the OC. I went to [Big Bear, California]. I ate. I slept 12 hours a night. I relaxed. We were snowed in one day, which made it amazing, and just relaxed. That’s all I did. And I’m telling you, I feel so much better," she revealed. Her comments reflected a desire to prioritize her mental health amidst the chaos of filming and personal struggles.
Yet, the drama didn’t stop with her return. After being photographed filming alongside Dubrow, fans took to social media to express their mixed feelings about her rejoining the cast. Some commenters expressed skepticism over her decision, while others showed relief that she hadn’t genuinely exited the series. One fan noted, "She’s the queen of being dramatic… I’m not surprised she is back. It adds even more to the drama of it all." Another chimed in, saying, "That show can’t survive without her. It’s obvious so glad she didn’t leave @tamrajudge!!!"
Not everyone is happy, however. Producers have allegedly expressed frustration over Tamra's antics, especially regarding leaks about the show and the creation of fake social media accounts to criticize her castmates. These accusations have fueled further speculation about her reliability within the RHOC circle.
The bold back-and-forth nature of Judge’s time on the show has long been a focal point. From her outbursts to her relationships with co-stars, her presence on RHOC has kept viewers engaged through all sorts of highs and lows. However, her tendency to oscillate between dramatic exits and returns reflects an underlying complexity that continues to attract both loyal fans and critics.
Following these latest developments, anticipation builds among fans for Season 19 of RHOC. While the official premiere date has yet to be announced, the intensity of the ongoing narratives, both personal and cast-related, suggests a captivating season ahead. Judge’s ability to bounce back into the filming process highlights both her resilience and the complexities of her intertwined relationships with her co-stars.
As Tamra navigates her role in RHOC amidst personal challenges and cast dynamics, viewers can expect to see not just the reality of a show, but the underlying stories that connect its cast members. This season promises to delve into deeper issues while balancing the entertaining drama that has become synonymous with the franchise.