This week, fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey will finally be brought back into the action, drama, fun and excitement of the television series as it makes its return for an eighth season, with a brand new Housewife and a returning face from the original two seasons.
Danielle Staub is BACK!
Danielle Staub is that returnee, bringing her reality TV brilliance back to the show for the first time in almost seven years. She joins veteran housewife Teresa Giudice as well as Melissa Gorga, Siggy Flicker, Dolores Catania and newbie, Margaret Josephs.
Ahead of the show’s premiere tonight (October 4) on Bravo in the US and tomorrow (October 5) on hayu in the UK, we got the chance to put some questions to Danielle all about her return, what we should expect from the season, her relationship with the current Housewives and more! Read on to find out what she had to say…
Danielle, you’re finally back on The Real Housewives of New Jersey! How does it feel to be a part of the show once more?
It feels amazing. Simply amazing. It’s everything and more I could have wanted and much more, the timing couldn’t be more perfect!
Last time we saw you on RHONJ you were feuding with pretty much all of the cast members, so how does it feel to come back and be on good terms with original Housewife, Teresa?
It feels great. Teresa and I felt like we didn’t really have big problems in season 1 and 2, she just felt like she was standing up and being a good friend to her lifetime friends and family and I totally get that. It’s hard to infiltrate that. I would defy anyone to try and fit in with everyone in that group. It feels really good to see I was right about Teresa and that she does have that kind heart; is funny and sweet. Even though we went through a lot I love her with my whole heart, although my wall is still a tiny bit up. We’ve been accepting of each other and now she’s totally resurfaced into my life which you will see this season.
I also start getting along with the other girls and I couldn’t be happier; they are all smart and beautiful. We do still have a little tiff, but the great thing about this crew is that these ladies are smart. When they rest their heads on their pillows at night, they go to sleep. They aren’t up bashing you on social media. They are good people and I’m proud to be back.
Do you think viewers will see a different side of you on this season?
In all fairness, there has always been a different side of me and also, the old side. Both sides are part of me and I don’t always say what people want to hear, but I’m the only one who will say it!
Of course, with the show comes drama and we see that in the trailer for the season; what can you tell us about your arguments with Dolores?
As people will see later in the show, when people get in your face and defensive, it’s because they are scared. You will have to watch and see what happens!
How about the moment we see you emptying the table of plates and cutlery?
That was a fun night in Milan actually. It wasn’t directed at Dolores but I got caught up in the middle of breaking up an argument and the plates and cutlery go flying. There’s a gif online now about that scene which says, ‘When the waiter forgets your French Fries’, which is hilarious.
What do you make of new Housewife, Margaret Josephs?
She’s such a doll. When she joined the team, I can’t lie, I was a little confused. I thought she was an Italian snob but I was only really judging a book by its cover because I’d only seen pictures. She got to fit right in with the crew and become part of it, whilst I was still feeling like an outsider. You’ll see in the scene how I approached her when we first met; within five minutes we were cuddling and now we speak every day.
You’re not an ‘official’ Housewife this season for reasons unknown, but if you were in the opening titles, what tagline would you have liked to have had?
Oh there could be so many taglines. Maybe, ‘If someone fires the first shot, I’ll fire right back’.
Do you think you may return to the show full time next season?
I’m absolutely hoping so but that’s up to the viewers!
How best would you describe this season of RHONJ to fans?
I would say it’s like an elevator ride that takes a lot of stops. And when you get to your final destination, you play 52-card pickup. It’s really a hot mess but you wouldn’t expect anything less.
Finally, aside from the show what else should we expect from you in the coming months?
You’ll see a little bit of a different side of me. I’m a business woman and at 55, I’m grateful to have my daughters and now want to become an entrepreneur, go into branding and create things, which my team and I are working diligently on. You’ll also know that I’ve got a significant other, who you’ll be meeting in the series too!
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 8 premieres Thursday, October 5 on hayu, reality on demand.