Shannon Beador isn't surprised her ex-boyfriend John Janssen plans to marry her Real Housewives of Orange County costar Alexis Bellino after less than a year of dating.
"That's John Janssen," Shannon exclusively told E! News. "At two weeks, he said I was his person and his future, so they're following the John Janssen course. I didn't get a ring, but I thought right away that I was going to spend the rest of my life with John. He moves very quickly."
However, the Bravo star—who split with the businessman in 2022—after three years of dating, isn't bothered by the couple's fast-track path to an engagement.
"Good for them, be happy," Shannon added. "From the outside looking in, it looks to me that there are ulterior motives on both sides for them to be in a relationship, so we'll see. I'm grateful that John isn't in my life because we had a very toxic relationship. I'm grateful."
It should be no shock to fans that Shannon and Alexis will be embroiled in plenty of drama during RHOC's upcoming 18th season given their John connection.
As for what Shannon thought when she heard Alexis was returning to RHOC for the first time since she left the series in 2013?
"Really? Really?" the 60-year-old quipped, recalling her initial reaction. "She hasn't been on the show for 10 years. But, yeah, she's dating John Janssen now, so let's bring her back."
And don't expect the costars to make up and become BFFs by the end of the season—especially after Alexis and ex Jim Bellino previously sued Shannon for defamation in 2018. (Shannon won the case against her in 2020.)
"She started a lawsuit with her ex-husband and I lost a lot of money," Shannon noted, "so let's just throw John Janssen out of the equation. I wouldn't be friends with her."
However, Shannon insists she was cordial during filming, adding, "I can say with confidence I don't think I was unkind to her at all, so I can hold my head up high. I don't know if she can."
And Alexis is very much on the same page when it comes to their bad blood.
"We start off rocky," Alexis told E!, "it never gets any better after that."
She continued, "When I went into this season, I was very open-minded, open-hearted, thought maybe we could find a way to get through this and just understand each other's situation. It's not comfortable for either of us, so that's a given."
See the drama play out when The Real Housewives of Orange County returns Thursday, July 11, at 9 p.m. on Bravo.
And keep reading to see the stunning new cast photos and to learn more about season 18.
Shannon Beador
Following a very difficult year, Shannon Beador is doing her best to move forward as she faces the consequences from her DUI. With her twins in college, this empty-nester is left trying to mend her fractured friendships. However, she’s continuously in the hot seat as her life choices are questioned. Things get awkward for Shannon when her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, Alexis Bellino, threatens to bring damaging information about her past.
Tamra Judge
No longer a Tres Amiga, Tamra Judge is putting her energy into developing stronger friendships and helping her daughter Sophia, who recently turned 18, navigate her gap year. As Tamra and Eddie enjoy a new home in Big Bear, they also decide it might be time to sell their longtime home in OC. Tamra’s damaged friendship with Shannon is hotly contested as she wonders if Shannon is truly remorseful for her accident. Also, her new improved friendship with Jennifer is put to the test when Eddie and Ryan get into a heated debate.
Alexis Bellino
A longtime friend of Heather and Emily, Alexis Bellino comes in full force ready to make waves. She finds her footing with most of the ladies and starts fresh with Tamra, but she instantly finds herself on shaky ground with Shannon as they face off in a series of high-stakes disputes.
Emily Simpson
Emily Simpson has gone through an incredible transformation after losing 40 pounds and finds herself trying to adjust to her new healthy lifestyle. Her obsession with the gym has affected her relationship with food, family and friends. When she’s not helping the wrongly convicted as a part of the California Innocence Project, she’s questioning the ladies on everything from integrity to intentions. Her closeness with Tamra causes those around her to wonder if Emily is taking her opinions too far.
Jennifer Pedranti
Jennifer Pedranti is ready for a fresh start with Tamra while also trying to prove that her boyfriend, Ryan, is worthy of redemption. She feels a lot of her life is up in the air as she waits for her divorce to be finalized and figures out her financial future. While some of the ladies in the group wonder if she has truly learned from her past mistakes, Jennifer finds some commonality with new housewife Katie. As she strives to make new changes and keep her head afloat, it all culminates when Ryan’s name is involved in a national bombshell that rocks Orange County.
Gina Kirschenheiter
Gina Kirschenheiter has leveled up as a realtor, but her professional reputation is called into question after one of the ladies puts her in a sticky situation. Her relationship with Travis takes an unconventional turn when deciding she wants to live separately, but stay together. On top of this, as Gina watches bestie Emily get close to Tamra, she wonders if their friendship will remain the same.
Heather Dubrow
Always on the move, Heather Dubrow and husband Terry find themselves routinely commuting between Orange County and their new estate in Beverly Hills. Their Balboa Bay Club penthouse suite serves as home base with Terry’s practice and his mother around the corner. After many years of friendship, Heather and Gina find themselves at odds over loyalty and betrayal. Heather isn’t quick to warm up to new housewife Katie, and their relationship takes a wrong turn when Katie confronts her about an old rumor.
Katie Ginella
New to Orange County, Katie Ginella and her husband, professional golf journalist Matt Ginella, recently moved from San Diego. She’s looking to expand her circle of friends while working to launch her own cocktail line. Now ready to learn more about her Korean heritage and connect to her roots, Katie decides to explore her adoption further and meet her birth mother. After meeting the ladies, Katie immediately finds herself smack dab in the middle of the drama and gets a quick lesson in how loyalty works in the OC.
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