REPORT: Margaret Josephs to Be “Front and Center” on RHONJ Season 15 With These 2 Returning Women and “New Blood,” Plus Why Melissa Can’t Be “Main Character”

Margaret Josephs will reportedly be “front and center” when The Real Housewives of New Jersey returns for season 15.

After Margaret, 58, Melissa Gorga, 46, and Dolores Catania, 54, were confirmed for BravoCon, which many took as a hint at the new season’s cast, a new report claims that while Bravo still wants to focus the show around Joe Gorga, 50, and his “lighthearted humor,” Margaret and her “funny and quick-witted” demeanor are more deserving of the spotlight.

“There always has to be a ‘star’ of the show,” an insider told OK! Magazine on August 25.

Although Melissa and her ongoing drama with Teresa Giudice, 53, who is also confirmed to be attending BravoCon, have served as the focal point of the series for years, Teresa may not be returning for season 15. So, as noted by the source, making her the “main character wouldn’t make sense.”

“Bravo has decided to pursue building the show around Margaret as the main character for the time being,” the insider explained. “Dolores Catania and Melissa are both close with Margaret, so that part is aligned. And, Marge isn’t scared to be dramatic, but she’s also funny and quick-witted. Additionally, she’s always been open with her life and doesn’t hide things. She truly embodies everything a ‘Real Housewife’ has always meant to be.”

“Production will also bring in some new blood to add both fun and drama,” the source added. “It’s definitely going to be a funny, fresh and entertaining season of RHONJ when the dust settles.”

As RHONJ fans may have heard, another insider previously told OK! Magazine that Margaret, Melissa, and Dolores “have all been filming test footage with some of the potential new women to see how their chemistry is,” while adding that Teresa had “not filmed any test footage as of yet.”

“Those who were fearful RHONJ would not return can definitely rest easy, as it is absolutely coming back,” the source concluded.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey has been on pause since August 2024.