A new reality television project is moving forward with a familiar face from the Bravo universe. Melissa Gorga, a long-time cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, has officially joined the cast of an upcoming spinoff series, Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition.
The confirmation came from a source familiar with the production, who indicated that Gorga is currently filming her segments. According to the source, her involvement is part of a broader network strategy to maintain relationships with certain personalities while the future of the flagship New Jersey series remains undecided.
The source suggested that Gorga’s casting in this new venture may signal a shift in network priorities. “When a principal star from a show begins filming another project, it often raises questions about the original program’s status,” the insider noted, adding that it fuels speculation about the hiatus of the main series.
Financial terms of the deal were also disclosed, with Gorga reportedly receiving a significant fee for her participation. The source explained that the payment was drawn from funds previously allocated by the network as a gesture of continued interest.
Reactions to the format from other figures in the reality TV sphere have been mixed. One commentator, while acknowledging the opportunity for Gorga, expressed a personal disinterest in the Wife Swap concept, stating, “The premise isn’t for everyone. You couldn’t pay me to leave my life and pets behind to live in a stranger’s home.”
A network representative has stated that no casting decisions have been finalized for the next season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, reiterating that the show’s future is still under review. Previous statements from network executives have indicated that major announcements regarding the franchise are not expected before 2026, as programming schedules for the current cycle are already set.
