Emily Simpson Nearly Quit 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' After Son's Health Diagnosis

Emily Simpson's Emotional Journey on the 19th Season of The Real Housewives of Orange County

Emily Simpson, a beloved figure on The Real Housewives of Orange County, has once again taken center stage in the show’s landmark 19th season. Known for her candidness and authenticity, Simpson shared a deeply personal story during the premiere that left fans both moved and intrigued.

This season was particularly challenging for Simpson as her son, Luke, was diagnosed with a rare condition called ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). This diagnosis came at a time when she was already juggling the demands of filming the show. Simpson described the emotional toll of dealing with this issue while simultaneously being part of the reality series. “It was really challenging because it was happening in real time,” she explained. “I wasn’t just reflecting back on something we went through as a family, or me as a mom or a parent. I was literally trying to navigate it and film the show at the same time.”

Simpson admitted there were moments when she questioned whether she should step away from the show entirely. “There were multiple times where I thought, ‘Do I need to take a break and not do this?’” However, she ultimately decided to stay, not only for herself but for her family and the audience who have supported her throughout the years.

Advice for Parents Navigating Similar Challenges

When asked what advice she would give to other parents facing similar situations, Simpson emphasized the importance of seeking support. “Find people that you trust, that are parents, that are moms, that you can talk to,” she said. “You really need to be able to talk about it and release, and have someone say, 'You're doing a good job, everything's going to be okay.'”

She also stressed the value of professional help. “We spent a lot of time going to therapy, talking to therapists, Luke going to therapy, Shane and I going to therapy, because I thought it's just so important to figure out how to parent him.” Lastly, she encouraged parents to remain united. “No matter how difficult it is, just to stick together as parents.”

Support from the Cast

Simpson credited the other women on the show for their support during this difficult time. She specifically highlighted Heather Dubrow and Gina Kirschenheiter for their kindness and guidance. “Heather is such a great advocate, because she's just such a good mom. She and Terry have an amazing relationship, and they're just a great example of a marriage.”

While all the women were supportive, Simpson noted that Heather and Gina went above and beyond. “They were constantly asking about Luke and how he was doing, and if I needed to talk, and they were always reaching out.”

Excitement for the Upcoming Season

Simpson expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, calling it “even better than the last two.” She believes the cast’s deep relationships and dynamic interactions will keep fans engaged. “I think people will be even more invested, more excited, and there'll just be more of a buzz about the show.”

She also shared her thoughts on Gretchen Rossi’s return to the group. While she found it hard to pin down her feelings about Gretchen, she acknowledged her efforts to integrate into the group. However, she noted the ongoing tension between Gretchen and Tamra Judge. “I don't know if there'll ever be any resolution there.”

Relationships and New Dynamics

Simpson confirmed that she doesn’t have a relationship with Katie Ginella, stating, “I do not have a friendship with her, nor will I ever.” She praised Jen Pedranti for her strength and independence this season, noting that it was beneficial for her to distance herself from Katie.

Shannon Storms Beador also stood out for her more relaxed approach this season. “It was really fun this season that Shannon wasn't actually going through some kind of personal crisis,” Simpson said. “She got to be more of herself and feel herself.”

Final Thoughts on the Season

When asked to summarize the 19th season in three words, Simpson hesitated before offering, “It was shocking and confusing.” She added that the ending was “very uncomfortable for me” and served as a compelling cliffhanger.

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County air at 9 p.m. Thursdays on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock on Fridays.