RHOC’s Tamra Judge Reveals Alexis Bellino’s Pain and Defeat, Spills on Private Chat With Shannon, and Unveils Cut Scenes While Criticizing Editing – Plus, What’s Backfiring on Alexis and John Janssen’s “Blackmail” Allegations, and Will She Ever Be Friends With Shannon?

Tamra Judge is hopeful that Alexis Bellino will return to The Real Housewives of Orange County in a full-time role for season 19, envisioning a chance for fans to see more of Alexis’s life, including her kids and a possible wedding. However, after witnessing the fallout from season 18, Tamra is uncertain if Alexis will take that step.

Reflecting on her own clashes with Shannon Beador, 60, Tamra, 57, shared her thoughts on the behind-the-scenes drama, including claims that key scenes were cut from the show and the challenges in reconciling with Shannon. She also addressed the controversy surrounding Alexis and John Janssen, 61, especially regarding allegations that they were blackmailing Shannon with pre-DUI footage.

“I’d love to see Alexis in a full-time role where we could see her life unfold, maybe even her wedding next year. I’m really hoping [she’ll be back],” Tamra told Us Weekly on October 5. “But right now, she seems very defeated, upset, and hurt. I don’t think she’s sure about coming back.”

While Alexis and John were perceived as the season’s villains, particularly after Alexis mentioned videos of Shannon from before her DUI in September 2023, Tamra dismissed the idea of blackmail.

“That’s absolutely not true. That’s something Shannon made up,” she asserted. “From what I heard, there were a lot of conditions attached to giving the money. It wasn’t the full amount; it was a payment plan with agreements to sign.”

Tamra also hinted at the possibility of an “email trail” between Shannon and John. “I might be wrong, but I don’t think I am—they weren’t even together when he lent her the money,” she claimed. “I get where he’s coming from when she’s out there telling everyone, ‘I pay for everything. He doesn’t contribute and just wants fame.’ Sometimes, enough is enough.”

During the filming of season 18, Tamra encouraged Shannon to reconcile with John off-camera. “I told her, ‘Shannon, maybe you should just pay him and publicly apologize, and he might drop the matter,’” Tamra recounted. “I don’t think it’s about the money for him. He’s well-off. It’s about restoring his reputation after what she’s said.”

Throughout season 18, Tamra has faced criticism for her harsh treatment of Shannon. However, she’s eager to address these issues during the reunion. “I thank God for the reunion because it’s a chance to clear things up,” Tamra shared. “Some scenes were clearly cut, probably to save material for the reunion, and I get that. But I want people to see the whole story.”

Tamra emphasized that despite appearing as the aggressor in her interactions with Shannon, she doesn’t harbor hatred toward her. “I went to check on her well-being, but she lashed out, and I reacted,” she explained. “They didn’t show the part where she said things that pushed me to respond. I’ll cover that at the reunion.”

She added that another altercation occurred at Gina Kirschenheiter’s dinner party, where Shannon’s remarks provoked her. “Some scenes were removed, and it doesn’t seem fair. Show a bit of what led to my reaction. Yes, I regret calling her an ‘alcoholic,’ but I was cornered.”

Tamra also reflected on her frustration over Shannon’s continued struggles with alcohol, especially after her DUI incident. “I’ve known her struggles with alcohol, and it’s hard for me to understand how she continues drinking after everything that’s happened,” she admitted.

Regarding Alexis’s return to RHOC, Tamra noted that Alexis initially had reservations. “She told me, ‘I don’t know if this is the right time since I’m dating John, and I don’t want to kick Shannon when she’s down.’ But then, things unfolded differently on the show, and it seemed like she was trying hard to clear John’s name,” Tamra observed.

“But I think it’s definitely backfiring on her,” she admitted.

Tamra also addressed criticism of her own drinking on the show. She explained that while she might appear intoxicated during filming, she rarely drinks off-camera. “I can’t handle more than two drinks because I don’t drink much outside of filming. But when we’re shooting, I feel like I need some liquid courage, which often backfires,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Tamra expressed hope for a resolution with Shannon, though she doesn’t see a close friendship in their future. “I don’t think we’ll ever be best friends again,” she admitted. “I want her to understand that I wasn’t trying to hurt her. I’ve always supported her, but it’s been a one-sided relationship.”

Despite the tension, Tamra confirmed she will attend Alexis and John’s upcoming wedding. “Yes, I’ve already got a save-the-date,” she said.

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.