Tamra Judge Announces Her Return For Season 17 Of 'RHOC': 'Drama's In Session'

Tamra Judge is back to usher in all the drama!

The "Real Housewives of Orange County" veteran star is officially set to return for the series' upcoming 17th season following her departure in 2020. 

Judge made fans giddy after she announced her comeback with an attention-grabbing clip on social media. 

Following a since-deleted Instagram Story from "Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" co-star Jill Zarin hinting at Judge's return, the reality queen has confirmed the news herself.

While part of the world slept, Judge tweeted a short video that showed her wearing a blue dress as she posed in front of a green screen. 

The 54-year-old paired her dress with a simple bracelet, multiple rings, and heels while her blond hair framed her slightly made-up face.

The eight-second clip started with her turning to face the camera in a sultry way that grabbed the attention of her viewers.

The video that was captioned, "The Judge is back and drama's in session. [peach emoji] #RHOC #Season17" has garnered over 4k likes with one person replying, "You're all the juice they need!"

Several others expressed joy at Judge's return, with many promising not to miss a single episode of the franchise's season.

"Real Housewives" fans first met Judge when she joined the cast for RHOC's third season and promptly delivered several unforgettable moments on the show – from chasing Vicki Gunvalson and Brooks Ayers to hiding from Kelly Dodd in the bushes.

She also gave the show its first wine toss and led a three-episode spinoff series, Tamra's OC Wedding, that revolved around her June 2013 wedding to her husband, Eddie.

However, after 12 years of delivering unbeatable entertainment, the mother-of-four announced her departure from the show.

The Blast shared that a few weeks after she left, she confessed that Bravo fired her for asking for too much money.

Now that she is making a comeback to Orange County, we cannot help but wonder if the cable television network accepted her bargain for higher fees.

Regardless of her reason for returning, a source claimed the onscreen goddess was excited about the event. In the insider's words:

"Tamra is thrilled to come back to the show, especially after feeling the fan love from her stint on 'Ultimate Girls Trip.'"

The source added that Judge could not wait to get back in the RHOC mix and "see how she can shake up the dynamic." 

A second source close to the reality star said that the upcoming season of the popular reality series is expected to "revolve around Tamra."

Amid the excitement surrounding Judge's return to the County, The Blast reported earlier that she had been closed off to the idea in the past.

In fact, when the conversation came up during a virtual question and answer session with her fans, the twice-divorced star responded:

"Sorry, not happening! Concentrating on the future not the past."

Back in 2021, Judge said although being on the show had been a wild ride, she was looking forward to time away from the cameras.

The businesswoman even divulged that she got an opportunity to return to the show in a limited role but turned it down.

Following the announcement of her departure, Judge mentioned she turned down an offer of $200,000 to appear on three new season episodes. 

During a later appearance on an episode of the "Behind The Velvet Rope With David Yontef" podcast, the TV personality revealed another reality show she would love to join.

Tamra said she would like to join the "Real Housewives of New York City" cast because she felt she could have much more fun with one of its stars, Leah McSweeney.

The "Erasing Family" star added that she was obsessed with McSweeney and believed New York City needed a shakeup and a change in cast.

As for her time in Orange County this year, Judge would be dealing with Eddie's heart condition as they prepare to kick off a new business venture. The reality star would also deal with her two sons – Ryan and Spencer – opposing political views and beliefs.