Real Housewives of New Jersey veteran Caroline Manzo recently revealed she was asked to return to RHONJ for Season 13 but declined.
Speaking to OK! Magazine at last month’s BravoCon event, the original RHONJ dished on a potential return to the series, explaining that she is open to the idea.
“It would have to be the right scenario,” she said. “I did get asked back this past season but I declined. I’m at a point in my life where I do things that make me happy. If I’m not happy, I’m not gonna do it. I’m not going to put myself in that position.”
Despite being asked to return to RHONJ for Season 13, Caroline Manzo must be playing hard to get as she reveals that it is not exactly top of mind for her. “Never say never — but it’s not on my radar,” she told the magazine.
Caroline Manzo appeared on Seasons 1-5 of RHONJ before exiting for her own spinoff series, Manzo’d With Children, which went on to run for three seasons. She has remained in the Bravosphere ever since and her attendance at BravoCon had to mean something about her chances of returning to the Real Housewives franchise.
RHONJ Season 13 cast: Who’s in, and who’s out?
That said, it will not be for at least another year as Season 13 of RHONJ is already in the can and awaiting a February premiere — all without Caroline.
The sure-to-be fiery set of episodes will star returning Housewives Teresa Giudice, Dolores Catania, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Jennifer Aydin, and Jackie Goldschneider, with newbies Danielle Cabral, Rachel Fuda, and Jennifer Guterman-Fessler joining.
While RHONJ does not seem to need Caroline Manzo at the moment, it would make sense for her to come back to the show at some point. After all, she has unresolved tension with some of the Housewives, particularly Teresa and Melissa, and she has a longtime connection to Dolores. Plus, Bravo seems to be in the mood of bringing back old Housewives and Caroline returning to RHONJ could give the show the boost it needs to bring further drama for years to come.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is expected to return in early 2023.
