RHOC adds Katie Ginella for Season 18 -- Everything we know about her so far

The upcoming 18th season of the Real Housewives of Orange County is already causing a buzz with a significant change in its lineup. Vicki Gunvalson has departed, and stepping into the glamorous whirlwind is Katie Ginella. If you haven’t heard of Katie yet, here’s a look into what makes this new addition to the RHOC cast a person to watch.

Katie is married to Matt Ginella, a man whose Instagram bio labels him as a "digital creator." Beyond his social media presence, Matt is the CEO of Fire Pit Collective, a production company, and the voice behind the Fire Pit Podcast. He's also an Editor-at-Large and a travel insider for the Golf Channel, suggesting a lifestyle filled with travel and adventure. 

This dynamic could add an interesting layer to Katie's storyline, especially considering the complexities of managing family life alongside a partner with a demanding career.

Before tying the knot with Matt, Katie experienced a tumultuous first marriage with a man named Andrew, who is the father of her three oldest children: Kaili, Gavin, and Maxon. The unraveling of their marriage was marked by serious allegations, including physical altercations and reckless endangerment, which are documented in a distressing legal filing from 2018. 

These aspects of her past, though dark, are integral parts of her history that might influence her narrative on the show.

Speaking of reality TV, Katie isn’t exactly new to the limelight. In 2017, she appeared in an episode of Say Yes to the Dress, where viewers got a glimpse of her journey to the altar with Matt. 

The couple’s romance seemed destined for TV, starting when Matt called Katie from The Chapel of the Ozarks during a work event and declared it their future wedding venue. Their story took a fairytale twist when Say Yes to the Dress decided to feature their wedding, drawn by the unique charm of their chosen location.

Katie Ginella’s background makes her a perfect fit for RHOC

The Ginellas’ personal life took a sweet turn shortly after their televised nuptials when, during their reception, Matt announced that they were expecting their first child together. The couple had a boy named Bandon the following spring. 

This peek into her family life, combined with her candid portrayal on social media, makes Katie an intriguing figure for RHOC. Her Instagram bio alone paints her as relatable and down-to-earth, referring to herself as a "Mrs. Ginella, Mama to 4 perfect little people and Waffle House addict."

Katie's previous career as a journalist and travel reporter for the now-defunct Back 9 Network also adds depth to her profile. These days, she champions women-owned businesses, advocating for female entrepreneurship with a zeal that’s both inspiring and commendable. 

Her social media interactions show her mingling with various Bravo and MTV stars, indicating that she’s no stranger to the celebrity circuit. This network includes ties with personalities like Camille Grammer and Cynthia Bailey, hinting at potential alliances and dynamics that viewers can look forward to exploring in the new season.

As Katie follows the entire RHOC cast online and builds her relationships with them, particularly with Gina Kirschenheiter—who is rumored to have been instrumental in bringing her into the fold—the dynamics of these connections are eagerly anticipated by fans. With her multifaceted background and engaging personality, Katie Ginella is poised to become a compelling figure in the ongoing drama and luxury of RHOC Season 18.

The new season of RHOC is set to premiere July 11 on Bravo.