The trailer for Season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County dropped on Thursday, June 11th, 2026. There was not much of a change to the cast, except that Katie Ginella was gone after two seasons. Moreover, the OG of the OC was back, Vicki Gunvalson, holding her orange. Yet, viewers may have spotted a newcomer for the iconic twentieth season. So, who is she and how is she connected to the hit E! series The Girls Next Door? Keep reading for more details.
RHOC Newbie Has Reality TV Ties
It is a big year for RHOC as it is time for the twentieth season, and that is iconic. No one expected the series to go this long, and with that, Bravo is bringing it. Vicki Gunvalson has returned to reclaim her orange, and she is ready to whoop it up. There is a lot of tension between the ladies, marriages and relationships falling apart. Emily Simpson and her husband, Shane, are struggling as they have for some time. Yet, could this be the end for them? With Vicki back, will she and her longtime partner, Mike Smith, tie the knot as he has a ring? However, she is about to get challenged head-on by a newcomer.
Carmella Garcia is 43 and works for the Oppenheimer group. She holds nothing back as an exotic beauty with a past as a Playmate of the Year. Immediately, for anyone who watched E!’s former hit series The Girls Next Door, the name may ring a bell. Carmella was formerly known as Carmella DeCesare and appeared in Season 1, Episode 4. This was when Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson, and Bridget Marquardt flew to Las Vegas for the day. There, they celebrated Carmella’s birthday party. At the time, she was dating former football player Jeff Garcia, but they divorced in 2020.
It is noted in the new season of RHOC that Carmella was a Playmate of the Year (2004). She is now the mother of four kids and a very successful businesswoman. However, aside from modeling, she has also been a model and a pro-wrestler, so she is a tough woman.
Where To See Her Past Episodes
For faithful RHOC fans who want to see Carmella Garcia in her Girls Next Door days, there are ways. The show is available on Amazon Prime. Moreover, she appeared in a handful of episodes throughout the six-season run, so there is more to see. As for her attitude, those who do not care for Vicki Gunvalson will appreciate how Carmella does not hold back. Finally, she seems to know who she is, which may be good or bad. So far, the reception has been incredible:
- Hello Carmella. Love you, PMOY!!!!!
- Carmella is quick. That was funny well everything has an expiration date.
- Carmella was on girls next door, season 1 episode 4! vegas!
There was also a lot of excitement for the return of the early RHOC ladies, making surprise appearances.
Did you watch The Girls Next Door, and do you remember Carmella? Moreover, do you think she will make a good addition? Let us know, and finally, watch the Season 20 premiere on July 9th only on Bravo and streaming on Peacock.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
