UPDATE (1/25 @ 7:01 p.m. ET): Executive producer Andy Cohen has broken his silence about Tamra’s announcement on Twitter. “An unprecedented run from a woman who was always entertaining, surprising and dramatic – and never ever aged. And now she’s the queen of CBD!” he tweeted on Saturday, Jan. 25.
It’s a mass exodus on Real Housewives of Orange County! Tamra Judge, 52, just announced she’s leaving the original Housewives franchise via Instagram on Saturday, Jan. 25. “It’s been a wild 12 years . But it’s time for me to move on. Im sad to go but I’m very excited about my future,” she posted, captioning a photo of herself and husband Eddie Judge, 46. “Love ❤️ you guys ✌🏼,” she also added. Tamra and Eddie are all-smiles in the photo, which could be a throwback, suggesting they’re looking forward to whatever is next for them. The blonde didn’t tag a location, but the pair are both seen standing outside in front of a fence.
The shocking news comes just a day after her friend Vicki Gunvalson, 57, announced her departure after 14 seasons! “I will always be the OG of the OC, but it’s time to say goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County,” she announced via Instagram on Jan. 25. “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. I’ve been working on new projects that will be exciting, empowering and inspirational. 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’ . 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. #bravo #rhoc #whoopitipwithvicki @westwoodone @bravo @whoopitupwithvicki.” Vicki’s exit came amidst rumors that she would be leaving the series, particularly after becoming a “friend” versus a full-time cast member last season.
Vicki offered her support via a comment just minutes after Tamra’s announcement. “We have shared so many great and not so great times together and it has been the ride of our lives,” Vicki commented, adding, “Thelma and Louse…now where do you want to go?!” Despite their ups and downs over the years, we love the close bond these two share! Other Real Housewives stars also commented, including Kyle Richards who added a sweet heart emoji, and Dorinda Medley who wrote, “Gorgeous! 🔥.” The official Bravo account supportively added three heart emojis, but the network has yet to make an official statement.
Fans immediately flooded Tamra’s comments about the future of the show without Vicki and her. “That’s kind of a big shake up! Is there enough to still flow without it being like a whole new show?…” one follower commented. “Noooooo!! You and Vicki were my faves!!!” another wrote, while several fans said they were “done” with the series without their faves. “It’s the end of an era,” someone else declared.
An unprecedented run from a woman who was always entertaining, surprising and dramatic – and never ever aged. And now she’s the queen of CBD! https://t.co/VbFFOUFTwc
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) January 25, 2020
As for Tamra, she didn’t share what she’ll be doing next but the 52-year-old has actively promoted her business CUT Fitness over the years. She’s also been professionally bodybuilding since 2016, so it’s possible she could be focusing her efforts on future competitions — and expanding CUT, which she co-owns with Eddie. Described as a “comprehensive, one-stop-shop fitness studio facility and the undeniable leader for personal training and small group training,” we could definitely see this power couple opening up more than one location!