Believe it or not, season 8 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" is right around the corner. 

The reality TV show that started the entire "Housewives" franchise kicks off its eighth incarnation at 8 p.m. Monday.  Ratings for season 7 were surprisingly good: With an average 2.8 million total viewers, it was the most-watched season in the history of the series. 

In the new season, Lydia McLaughlin of Dana Point will be the newest housewife, a new baby will be in the mix, and former cast member Lauri (Waring) Peterson will return and reveal shocking information that will rock one of the wives' worlds. 

Here's a little primer on what else to expect with each of "The Real Housewives of Orange County." 

VICKI GUNVALSON

The Coto de Caza resident and veteran of the group will find herself on a roller coaster of emotions, celebrating the highs of being a grandmother to Briana's new baby boy, Troy.  However, she will struggle to make her relationship with Brooks Ayers survive.  Her "Southern beau" will once again become the center of scrutiny, causing rifts between Vicki, her family and her friends. 

Rumor has it that Vicki, 51, also got a chin implant during the off-season, which will be the topic of much discussion. 

TAMRA BARNEY

At the end of season 7, Tamra's boyfriend Eddie Judge proposed to her on the beaches of Bora Bora.  Tamra, a Ladera Ranch resident, was in living in paradise.  However, reality will start to sink in when the couple moves in together and struggles to merge their separate lives.  Between the challenges of trying to open their fitness studio and the stress of planning a wedding, their bumpy road will be made even worse by Tamra's insistence on setting a wedding date, and Eddie's hesitancy to rush into things. 

Tamra, 45, and Vicki will also work toward getting their friendship back on track. 

GRETCHEN ROSSI

Wedding bells and babies will be on this Costa Mesa resident's mind.  As her boyfriend, Slade Smiley, lands a job as a DJ on Playlist 92.7 FM, the path will appear ready for Gretchen, 35, to take the next big steps in her life.  But, starting a family isn't as easy as she had hoped, and Slade's job could be in doubt when the station changes formats. 

HEATHER DUBROW

Heather's life as a stay-at-home mother in Newport Coast will take a sharp turn as offers for acting roles on two popular sitcoms come in.  Although she's thrilled to be acting once again, trouble will come from an unexpected source – her husband Terry, a Newport Beach plastic surgeon.  A dream opportunity may turn into the biggest challenge their marriage has faced. 

Heather, 44, and Terry, 54, recently sold their ocean-view Pelican Hill home for $16.45 million. 

ALEXIS BELLINO

Picking up from last season, Alexis, 35, of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, will continue to be the center of controversy among the ladies.  Feeling bullied and betrayed, Alexis will turn to Vicki for comfort and friendship.  But it's the newest housewife, Lydia McLaughlin, who will appeal to Alexis' faith in an effort to achieve forgiveness.  The results will be surprising and decidedly mixed. 

Related Links

The cast of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," season 8, which premieres April 1.  From left to right: Tamra Barney, Heather Dubrow, Gretchen Rossi, Vicki Gunvalson, Alexis Bellino and newest housewife Lydia McLaughlin.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Vicki Gunvalson returns for an unprecedented eighth season of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," which premieres April 1.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Tamra Barney returns for another season of "The Real Housewives of Orange County."  Season 8 of the reality TV series premieres April 1.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Gretchen Rossi returns for season 8 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," which premieres April 1 on Bravo.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Heather Dubrow returns for a second season of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," which premieres April 1 on Bravo.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Alexis Bellino returns for season 8 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," premiering April 1 on Bravo.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO
Lydia McLaughlin of Dana Point is the newest cast member of "The Real Housewives of Orange County."  Season 8 of the reality TV series premieres April 1 on Bravo.  ALEX MARTINEZ, BRAVO

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