The Real Housewives of Orange County has been entertaining audiences for 12 seasons to-date, and now with an incredible 13th season underway, we got to put some quick questions to star of the show, Shannon Beador. Talking about the ups and downs of reality TV, as well as her friendship with Vicki Gunvalson, Shannon gets honest about her experiences being watched by the world. Read on to find out what she had to say…

Shannon Beador is back for The Real Housewives of Orange County S13

You’re back for another season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, and as always, the teaser promises a lot of drama! What should we expect from these new episodes and your story this season in particular?

For the show, you are going to see more fun this year, which is nice after a couple of years of a lot of fighting. For me, you are going to see the transition into my new life as a single parent; both the good and the bad.

We saw you make moves to rebuild your friendship with Vicki in last season’s reunion; is that something that continues this season, or is there more trouble ahead?

It absolutely continues. It’s almost like we immediately fell right back into our friendship. It’s going to be a lot of fun seeing Tamra, Vicki and I together because we do some whacky, crazy, and fun things. I think the viewers are really going to enjoy seeing that.

Two new housewives join the show this year, what do you think of the new additions?

They are nice girls. It takes me a while to warm up to new people, which is something you will see this season.

We’ve seen you share a heck of a lot of your life with the world through RHOC; does that now all come as second nature to you?

Ever since I started the show I have been the same person whether or not the cameras are rolling. I did make a conscious decision when I joined to not keep anything hidden. People have seen some unpleasant things happen in my life, but there are a lot of people out there that are going through what I have been going through. If sharing my experience helps people relate, then it’s a good thing.

Do you ever get used to the cameras following you around and documenting your life?

Yes, I honestly don’t even realise they are there.

What would you say are some of the best things about being part of a reality TV show?

It’s an adventure. To have this opportunity and to be able to watch little parts of your life played back is very interesting. I was able to launch a business which you’ll see this season. I am very grateful to have this show as a platform; it’s a blessing.

And how about some of the worst things?

Everybody thinks they know you. For the most part, the show is accurate about who I am, but you don’t see me 24/7. Filming the show is one thing, but watching it for me is very difficult because I know what I said and what I filmed, but I don’t know what not-so-nice things people are saying behind my back. I am an emotional and sensitive person, so sometimes it is difficult to watch.

Finally, what else do you have in the pipeline for the coming months?

I am going to be travelling for the show, but I also launched a healthy food line on QVC, which I am really excited about.

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 13 is available to stream Tuesdays on hayu, reality on demand.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

find me on and follow me on