Vicki Gunvalson Steps Out With Her New Man & Talks Almost Not Returning to ‘RHOC’ For Season 11

Vicki Gunvalson is loud and proud about her new boyfriend, Steve Lodge.

The star of Real Housewives of Orange County stepped out on the red carpet in her red dress at the Season 11 Bravo premier party in Los Angeles. Vicki made in a family event, including Lodge’s daughter, so it’s getting real!

“I brought my date and he brought his daughter and her boyfriend so we’re having a little family event tonight,” Vicki gushed. “It’s fun, it’s good. He’s a good guy.”

Finally! I think we’d all revolt if we had to watch another season with Brooks Ayers. So who is Steve Lodge? He’s a politician, a former police officer, and someone who’s never seen RHOC.

“He’s never watched the show,” Vicki said. “I’m like, ‘I don’t know if you want to start,” she joked.

CLICK: ‘RHOC’ Premiere Party & 10 Year Anniversary Celebration [PHOTOS]

Lodge may want to watch last season so he can brush up on #cancergate. And though Ayers is thankfully nowhere to be seen this season, he’s a main point of contention for the ladies.

“I’ve moved on. I wish him the best,” Vicki told ET about Ayers. “Whatever happened, it happened between us and I wish a lot of it was private. We broke up. He’s in a new relationship. I’m in a new relationship. And I want the best for him.”

The OG of the OC had a rough season 10, many of her friendships were splintered amidst the Brooks Ayers cancer scandal, that buried the last season of the Cali based franchise. As a result, Vicki questioned whether she wanted to step back into the ring for another go round. In a recent interview with E!, Vicki recounted the alienation and betrayal she felt from her co-stars amid the Brooks Ayers cancer controversy.

“I didn’t [think I’d return.] I didn’t think I had the strength,” she revealed, before adding, “But you know what, my story wasn’t finished. I’m not gonna end as a victim.”

CLICK: ‘RHOC’ Films Season 11 Finale — Vicki Gunvalson & Tamra Judge Argue! [Exclusive Details]

Although the OC business woman had apprehensions about returning to the Bravo hit series for it’s 11th season, she was determined to defend herself against any lies generated from the Brooks‘ cancer sandal.  

“I’m not going to let these women have the last say-so in what they believe the truth was,” she said. “I know my truth.”

According to Vicki, returning with frenemies Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Beador, and Meghan King Edmond was uncomfortable initially. However, after bonding with newbie, Kelly Dodd, the season flipped in her favor. 

“I think what we’re gonna see this season is it definitely starts off very awkward, but the best part of this season is we have a new cast member,” Vicki said about her new friend. “She bring a whole lot of opinions and I love her. We have a great relationship.”

Tune in, as the 11th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, premieres Monday, June 20 on Bravo.

 

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