Is Jacqueline Laurita returning to The Real Housewives of New Jersey full-time for Season 7, just as fellow cast member Dina Manzo packs her bags?
That’s the rumor going around and if true, it would certainly shake things up in N.J.
“Production has made it very clear that they want Jacqueline back,” a Bravo show insider says. “And they don’t want her back just for cameos, either.
“Production is planning to offer Jacqueline as a contract for a full-time housewife.”
Ratings are one big (perhaps the big) reason: Bravo wants people to watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey online and on TV, end of story.
That’s not happening like it used to, so they’re considering their options.
“It was very clear with an examination of the ratings that Jacqueline’s appearance had a huge impact on the show,” the source says of her Season 6 return.
“With her back on the show, the ratings would continue to be strong.”
With Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga’s relationship on the mend, and Giudice off to prison for 15 months starting in January, there is an opening for drama.
After Manzo made it clear that she was not pleased with sister-in-law Laurita showing up mid-season, producers saw they had a new fight with which to work.
“Bravo is now interested in capitalizing on the feud between Dina and Jacqueline,” the source tells Radar, adding, “They would love to see them hash this out.”
Is Dina game? She implies that she’s done, but don’t be so sure.
“Dina needs the money, especially since there was a prenuptial agreement between her and her soon to be ex-husband, Tommy Manzo,” the source said.
“If the money on the table is right, Dina will likely agree.”
If it comes down to a one or the other situation for Bravo executives and they can only fill a single spot with one of the two sisters in law for Season 7?
“Production will definitely choose Jacqueline,” the source said.
“She just brings the ratings and brings the drama.”
Would you want to see more of it? Discuss!