Bravo bosses are scrambling to find a way to keep Alexis Bellino and Shannon Beador on Real Housewives of Orange County next season amid their ongoing feud.
Shannon, 60, and Alexis, 47, have been at odds all season after Alexis started dating Shannon’s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen, 62, who is now her fiancé.
Further complicating matters between the couple is the fact that John is suing Shannon for an unpaid $75,000 loan and that Shannon has accused Alexis of having something to do with the lawsuit.
The drama has generated huge ratings for the series, but viewer reaction to Alexis has been so extreme that producers are now unsure how to move forward with the current cast.
“Bravo are very happy with how this season turned out and know that bringing in Alexis is a big part of what made it a success,” a source told DailyMail.com.
Bravo bosses are scrambling to find a way to keep Alexis Bellino (pictured) and Shannon Beador on Real Housewives of Orange County next season.
Shannon, 60, and Alexis, 47, have been at odds all season after Alexis started dating Shannon’s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen, 62.
Shannon has become the undisputed fan favorite this season, as viewers have joined her in vilifying Alexis.
“Everyone brought their A-game this year, but it’s really the drama between Shannon and Alexis that has made this season a box office hit,” they continued.
“The producers don’t want to change anything, but they’re not sure how to get Shannon and Alexis back given the current state of their relationship.
“They don’t want to film together and the public hates Alexis so much that Bravo may have no choice but to let her go unless something changes.”
Another source said Alexis ‘did everything she shouldn’t have done’ at the meeting, which only made things worse between her and Shannon.
While things may seem bleak, another production insider says Alexis’ return is still on the table.
“Nothing has been decided yet and casting won’t officially begin until this season has finished airing, so no one has been fired or rehired,” the source said.
“That said, there are a lot of people who want Alexis to return next year. She’s easy to work with compared to some of the other women and is genuinely friends with the cast, which is hard to find,” they continued.
‘Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti and Katie Ginella want her back. Shannon and Emily Simpson would be happy to see her go… and Gina Kirschenheiter doesn’t mind either way.
Sources tell DailyMail.com that Alexis is eager to return for another season and redeem herself after feeling frustrated by her performance this year.
A source also said that viewer backlash against Alexis won’t be the deciding factor in her future on the show.
“Bravo has fired a lot of great people before because of public backlash, and that usually makes the shows boring and leads to even more fan complaints,” they said.
‘Alexis could easily return, but she and Shannon will have to find a way to coexist for that to happen.
“They can’t repeat the same fight forever and refuse to film together; no one wants to see that.”
Several experts also confirmed that Shannon was originally on the chopping block until the most recent season, which many fans say is her best season yet.
“Everyone thought Shannon would be phased out after her DUI and Alexis would replace her, but things happened in such an unexpected way that now Shannon is possibly the most popular person on the show,” one said.
And everyone hates Alexis and Tamra, but it’s not always bad to be hated as a Housewife. It’s better than being forgettable.
Producers hope Shannon and Alexis can coexist so they can both return for another season.
“Everyone gave their A-game this year, but it’s really the drama between Shannon and Alexis that has made this season a box office hit,” a production source said.
DailyMail.com understands that Alexis herself is eager to return and redeem herself and is “deeply frustrated” at how the current season has played out.
“She’s been very upset by how she’s shown herself and even considered quitting at one point, but ultimately decided it would be best for her to come back and show viewers more of her real life,” a source said.
“Alexis also believes that Shannon’s true colors will eventually come out and she will be vindicated, so she wants to be a part of the show when that happens so everyone can see that she’s not the bad guy in this.”
In addition to Alexis, newbie Katie Ginella’s future on the series may also be up in the air.
Newcomer Katie Ginella’s future on the series could also be up in the air as some cast members attempt to “freeze” her behind the scenes, although producers are eager for her return.
“Producers are happy with Katie’s performance on the show and it’s been well received by fans, but some of the other women have really asked for it,” a source said.
“Heather never got over Katie accusing her of staging paparazzi photos and was furious about it all season, and Gina says she now regrets bringing Katie into the fold.”
They added: “Some of the women think Katie moved to Orange County just to get cast on the show and don’t trust her, but Katie feels like she’s being set up and frozen out as the new girl and just wants to put it all behind her.” this little drama.’
DailyMail.com has contacted NBC Universal, Alexis Bellino and Katie Ginella for comment.