The Real Housewives of Orange County just gave fans a major blast from the past. The July 31 episode featured a dramatic and unexpected reunion that no one saw coming — original housewife Jo De La Rosa came face to face with her ex-fiancé Slade Smiley for the first time in years.
A Surprising Guest at Heather Dubrow’s Birthday Party
It all happened at Heather Dubrow’s birthday party. Tamra Judge showed up with Jo De La Rosa as her plus-one after her husband Eddie chose not to attend.
Tamra explained, “Eddie was like, ‘It’s a hard pass,’” because of their ongoing tension with Jenn Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian. She also admitted feeling nervous about the party but added that it was likely just as stressful for Jo.
“I know it’s just as stressful for you because it’s probably the first time you’ve seen Slade in decades!” Tamra said. Jo laughed and replied, “I mean, it’s been a minute.”
Jo and Slade’s History on RHOC
Jo and Slade were one of the original couples when RHOC began. Their relationship, including their engagement and eventual breakup, was shown during the early seasons of the show. After their split, Slade had a short fling with another Housewife, Lauri Peterson, before settling down with Gretchen Rossi.
Slade and Gretchen have been together for 16 years now and share a daughter. Gretchen was part of RHOC from seasons 4 to 8 and has returned in the current season as a friend.
Gretchen Is Not Happy About Jo’s Presence
Before heading to the party, Tamra confirmed that Heather had given her the green light to bring Jo. “If Gretchen is threatened by Jo, that’s her problem,” she said.
But Gretchen didn’t take it lightly. She quickly pointed out that Tamra bringing Slade’s ex didn’t exactly help fix their strained relationship.
“Tamra showing up with Slade’s ex certainly doesn’t show that she’s trying to move forward with me,” Gretchen said. She even called Tamra “thirsty” and claimed she was doing it just to stir up drama.
A Cold Greeting Between Jo and Slade
Despite the tension, Gretchen and Slade walked over to say hello to Jo at the party. Jo stood up and gave them both a hug, clearly surprised but remaining polite.
“Hi Slade,” Jo said. “Hi Jo,” he replied awkwardly. Gretchen added, “Nice to see you.”
In her confessional, Gretchen made it clear that she’s still not buying Tamra’s behavior. “It doesn’t matter if Jo and I are good,” she said. “It has to do with Tamra. Didn’t work. Try again. You’re getting rusty, girl.”
Gretchen Refuses to Move On
Even when Heather’s husband Terry Dubrow suggested that things could be fixed with a simple apology, Gretchen wasn’t convinced.
“No changed behavior? Like Tamra for the last 15 years? Absof——lutely not,” she said. When Terry suggested maybe Tamra has changed, Gretchen shot back, “Oh really? But you’re gonna walk in with my husband’s ex? That’s really good changed behavior.”
This week’s episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County brought back a dose of nostalgia — and drama — as Jo De La Rosa came face to face with her ex Slade Smiley after decades. While Jo seemed calm and open to being civil, Gretchen Rossi clearly wasn’t ready to move past her issues with Tamra Judge.
Whether this meeting sparks new drama or possible closure, one thing is for sure — RHOC knows how to keep things interesting.
