Shannon Storms Beador is not sure if she will return to The Real Housewives of Orange County for another season.
As season 18 comes to a close on Oct. 31, Beador tells PEOPLE that she’s in a better place now than when the cameras first rolled.
Shortly before filming began, Beador broke up with ex-boyfriend John Janssen and was arrested for DUI. Reflecting on having to film in the midst of these troubled times in her life, Beador says, “It was very difficult to go through.”
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The newest “friend” this season was Alexis Bellino, who was on RHOC from seasons 5 to 8 almost 15 years ago. She’s back in Season 18 with a new boyfriend — who happens to be Shannon’s ex, John.
Shannon Beador (left), Alexis Bellino (right).
Charles Sykes/Bravo/Getty; Amanda Edwards/Getty
During the season, the two were at odds after John sued Shannon for $75,000 that he claimed was a loan, although she denied that the money was borrowed. After refusing to see Alexis face-to-face and unsuccessfully trying to settle a lawsuit after John refused to sign a non-disparagement agreement, Shannon said she has mixed feelings about returning to the franchise.
“[It] it depends on who I would be with in the season,” he admits. “And I’m not saying that in a threatening way. I spent some time with people who were very unhealthy for me.”
“That’s what’s important in my life right now, making healthy decisions and separating myself from toxic situations,” she continues.
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While the season has been a rough start for Shannon, she says she hopes people will see the progress she’s made over the past year in setting healthy boundaries and managing her reactions.
“At the end of last season, I was really a mess,” she explains. “I was totally focused in that meeting that you have to clear John’s name, you have to clear John’s name. And it shows – I look exhausted. I’m high. I wasn’t good. So I’m happy. I hope people will see that I take life seriously and do everything in my power to improve my life and become a better person.”
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Shannon Beador. Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Shannon Beador Claims She Was Dating John Janssen Again Before She Got a DUI: ‘It Wasn’t a Good Time’ (Exclusive)
However, she admits that viewers of the show don’t always see her that way. She admits that she understands the enjoyment of the drama, because “if I were on the other side, I would want to see it myself.”
“But what really matters is what I think. I hope she enjoys the show… I hope people say, ‘Okay, she’s working on herself, so good for her,’ but I don’t need pats on the back,” she says. “I don’t need sympathy .”
She adds: “I got it and I feel strong about it.”
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The Real Housewives of Orange Countyseason 18 the three-part reunion begins Thursday, November 7 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Bravo.
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Source: HIS Education