Heather Dubrow Fuels Fans Anticipation Ahead Of 'Real Housewives Of Orange County' Premiere

Heather Dubrow hints at high tensions in Season 17 of "Real Housewives Of Orange County."

The anticipation builds as the actress ignites fans' excitement before the show's premiere. Known for her captivating presence and past experiences on the show, the beloved returning cast member sets the stage for an exciting season that promises drama, glamor, and signature Housewives entertainment.  

During the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Gala hosted by the Alliance For Women In Media Foundation in Los Angeles, the 54-year-old shared exciting insights about the upcoming season of the popular reality series.

With the premiere date set for June 7 on Bravo, her revelations sure spark anticipation among fans eager to delve into the latest installment of the long-running hit. Adorned in a dazzling black Chanel gown, the mother-of-four told PEOPLE:

"It was a very difficult season for me, to be honest."

Reflecting on the upcoming season, she expressed curiosity about how events would be portrayed on screen and acknowledged the possibility of misinterpretations and exaggerations. However, she shared her optimism, stating:

"I will tell you, it feels like the show used to be when I was first on it. I think the fans are going to be really happy."

Reflecting on her return to the show, Dubrow shared her thoughts with the publication, stating, "I think when I rejoined the show last year, except for Shannon [Beador], everyone was new. For me personally, I felt like it was a whole new situation."

She noted that with the return of Tamra Judge and Vicki Gunvalson, there was a shift in the dynamics, describing it as feeling more like a family. Discussing the upcoming season's conflicts, the "That's Life" actress highlighted the strong friendships within the group, emphasizing the depth of their connections. She observed that love and feuds can intensify when companies run deep. 

While no one knows the challenges that she will face in the show, one silver lining is that her family life remains steadfast and strong. The T.V. personality expressed her happiness in her relationship with her husband, Terry Dubrow, whom she has been married to for 23 years. 

As to why she chose to return to the hit reality T.V. show, the "Young & Hungry" guest star delved into the reason during an episode of her podcast, "Heather Dubrow's World." Joined by Bravo executive Andy Cohen, she attributed her return to timing, noting that her family and children had reached different life stages, making it an opportune moment for her to step back into the spotlight. 

With her family in a new place, the "Malibu Country" actress felt the time was right to once again immerse herself in the world of the show. She also shared how the pandemic made her contemplate the opportunity to revisit and try things again. She noted, "This isn't completely like a do-over, but there's something about being able to go back." 

After receiving criticism, the star had to defend her celebration of her transgender child, who goes by the name Ace. Accusations of using her child to stay relevant on "The Real Housewives of Orange County" were met with denial by the "Good Day L.A." actress.

As reported by The Blast, Dubrow vehemently denied exploiting her children and emphasized that the sole focus of her and her family was to prioritize Ace's physical and emotional well-being.

It all started when she marked International Son's Day by sharing on Instagram that her child is transgender. However, her announcement faced backlash, with some accusing her of seeking attention or manufacturing drama for her role in the series. 

She addressed the criticisms on her podcast, "Let's Talk," where she vehemently refuted the claims. According to a report from (TooFab), Dubrow emphasized that she would never exploit or use her children to create "content," asserting that such allegations were baseless and hurtful.

For her and her family, the announcement served as a celebration of their child's identity and a display of love and support for their journey. She also alluded to external pressures that influenced their decision, mentioning that "there are other people who want to tell your children's stories for them," hence the need for them to get ahead of the narrative.