Vicki Gunvalson was demoted this season on The Real Housewives of Orange County from one of the OG main housewives to “friend of the housewives,” but her co-star Shannon Beador still considers her one of the housewives. The “tres amigas” - consisting of Tamra Judge, Shannon, and Vicki - are here to stay.

Vicki, the “OG of the OC,” has been demoted this season after 14 years as a main housewife on the original housewife show, she was demoted this season to “friend of the housewives.” Her co-stars Shannon, Tamra Judge, Kelly Dodd, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson still remain the main housewives, with the addition of newcomer Braunwyn Windham-Burke. It feels odd to fans of the show to see Vicki, a mainstay of the show for 13 seasons, be absent from the title credits. Although she doesn’t have a tagline anymore, she still will be appearing quite a lot in the new season.

According to Us Weekly, Vicki’s co-star and member of the “tres amegias,” Shannon, said that Vicki is still very much a part of the show even with her demotion. Shannon went on to say she still considers Vicki to be a housewife still, saying, “Vicki’s always going to be a part of the show. She’s the OG. … I don’t look at her as not being a full-time Housewife. I really don’t. She is in the mix.” Shannon went on to explain that she shot with the main housewives quite a lot, adding, “Vicki is on the show throughout the entire season. I filmed with her a lot." However, the only mention of Vicki in the premiere episode this week was an ambivalent text message reply to Tamra’s invitation to come to her house warming party, reading “Ummmm…. ok.”

She spoke about the original trio, saying, “The Tres Amigas are alive and well.” As Vicki is now in a “friend of the housewives” role, she doesn’t always get to take part in a lot of the parties and trips in which the main cast might get to indulge. Shannon spoke about that absence, saying, “There were times where I [thought], you know, Vicki should be here.” Vicki and Kelly Dodd have been feuding since last season’s reunion show after Vicki accused Kelly of using cocaine. When asked if the Kelly feud was still happening, Shannon’s reply was vague, saying, “There are a lot of things that happen with Kelly Dodd this season. … Between she and a few people.” She explained why the drama with Kelly is harder to overcome this season “because of certain circumstances.”

It looks as though Shannon is remaining hopeful about the way things ultimately turn out with Vicki’s demotion, and it seems like there is plenty of drama to take her place. It seems as though the “Kelly vs. the rest of the housewives” feud could make things interesting among the women. And, while it remains to be seen if Vicki could ever get her place back as a main housewife again, she’ll at least be busy planning her wedding and future with her new fiancé.

Next: Tori Spelling Upset She Hasn’t Been Asked to Join Real Housewives Cast

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Tuesdays at 9pm EST on Bravo.

Source: Us Weekly