This Is the Craziest Season Ever!
When it comes to reality TV drama, few moments have topped Teresa Giudice’s table-flipping episode from Season 1 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. But the cast says there are some Season 10 high jinks that just might. “There’s a crazy amount of tension in the group,” says Melissa Gorga. While Melissa and her sister-in-law are on better terms than they have been in years past, Teresa faces off against her Bravo co-stars over rumors she stepped out with a younger man while her husband, Joe, 47, faced deportation to his native Italy after his 41-month prison sentence for fraud. “The fans are going to see us all divided at times,” adds Melissa. Here, Jersey girls Melissa, 40, Dolores Catania, 48, Margaret Josephs, 52, Jackie Goldschneider, 43, and Jennifer Aydin, 42 (Teresa, 47, was unavailable for interviews), talk to In Touch’s Diana Cooper about their marriages, fiery feuds and who recently got a face-lift!
What’s new with you this season?
MG: I experienced so many life changes! First, I turned 40. And I decided it’s important to do what I love in life and not be just a mom and a wife.
DC: I get acclimated to both of my kids being out of the house and delve more into real estate with [my ex-husband and business partner] Frank.
MJ: You’ll see me celebrate 20 years of [my lifestyle brand] the Macbeth Collection. It’s been a crazy ride.
JA: I experienced a life-changing physical transformation by having a breast reduction and lift, and liposuction on my back.
Which cast member do you get along with best?
MG: Margaret and I become closer and closer each season. She is a little older and wiser than me, so I lean on her for advice a lot.
DC: I’ve also gotten a lot closer to Margaret. I stick up for Jennifer and turn to Teresa for support.
MJ: I’ve always been close with Melissa and Jackie, but Dolores and I have become true confidantes.
JG: Margaret and Melissa have both been very supportive.
And the least? Margaret, you have a history of fighting with Danielle Staub, who will appear this season.
MJ: It’s obvious whom I have the most fights with this season. She was never really my friend, so it makes sense. JA: Not everyone got my sense of
humor, and it made people uncomfortable at times.
Has being on the show affected your marriage?
JG: Yes, in the best way. Evan, my husband, was nervous at first, but it’s something new and exciting.
JA: It’s brought my family closer. The show forced my husband, Bill, to realize spending time with his kids is something he doesn’t want to take for granted.
How do you keep the spark alive with your significant others?
MG: Joe and I put a lot of time into our marriage. I still dress how he likes when we go to dinner, and I always tell everyone to flirt with their husbands — or else the spark will die!
MJ: We don’t take anything too seriously or sweat the small stuff. Laughter is the best medicine. If Joe didn’t keep me laughing, I’d kill him! And we shower together.
JG: We sneak in plenty of alone time and a good amount of flirting.
How did you react when you heard Joe may be permanently deported?
MJ: I was obviously devastated and heartbroken for the family.
JG: I feel really terrible for Teresa and her children.
How are you supporting her?
MJ: We’re very close. I’m here for her, whatever she needs. Teresa’s the strongest woman I know.
Do you think she’ll divorce Joe?
JG: She deserves happiness, so I hope whatever she does makes her happy.
What are your beauty secrets?
MG: I’ve made fitness and eating right a part of my lifestyle. I never go on any fad diets and just try to keep it consistent. I am not going to lie, though, I’m always down for a little hydro facial and some Botox to keep my skin fresh.
JG: I do cardio six days a week and lift weights about twice a week to keep my body strong. I take care of my skin at home but I will admit to some Botox and lip fillers…and new veneers on my teeth!
MJ: I had a face-lift! My doctor is a miracle worker. The Marge is back — twinning with her kindergarten photo! ◼