McLaughlin appeared for one season during the show's eighth season, she was asked back to return the show's ninth season but turned down the offer to focus on her family and to have a baby, which she gave birth to her third son later that year.
I can now confirm, former housewife Lydia McLaughlin is signing on for season 12... #RHOC🍊 pic.twitter.com/H3IVtsZXP0— RealHousewives101 (@RHousewives101) January 31, 2017
Our friends over at RealHousewives101 spilled the tea about Lydia's return, and their sources are always on point. They discovered the identities of Meghan King Edmonds and Katie Hamilton when they were revealed as new cast members for RHOC Season 10, however it was later revealed that Hamilton quit the show mid-filming due to her unexpected divorce. They also released the identities of The Real Housewives of Dallas prior to Season 1 announcement and many more, so they know what they're talking about (side note: Make sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram)
According to The Dirty, the first ladies of Bravo are set to begin filming on February 2. An insider tipped that Vicki Gunvalson’s son, Michael Wolfdmsith, posted the following to his Facebook: “We start filming the show again tomorrow. Season 12. It really is never going to end.”
This confirms that the show is beginning production and that Vicki Gunvalson is definitely back for season 12. Joining Gunvalson are Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador.
The site claims that Kelly Dodd will not be back, while others have claimed she may be. One source dished that she has “yet to receive a contract,” but her return is definitely still possible.
The Dirty previously reported that Meghan King Edmonds was offered a "friend of the housewives" contract, but she turned down the offer.
Photo Credit: Bravo