How did you find your first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey?
It was exhausting. Definitely worth it but I couldn’t get out of bed for 30 days! I’m one of those people who feels other people’s pain and when you can’t help them it’s really difficult. There was a lot of friendships broken up in the season and I really wanted to help people to move forward and to bring the pack together. It was heart-breaking. Teresa [Giudice] and Jacqueline [Laurita] have been friends for 18 years and they’ve shared a lot of precious moments. They’ve had babies at the same time and were really close so it was heart-breaking to see that relationship fall. It was also hard because I was just getting to know them for the first time. When I met Teresa we fell in love and had a bond but that had caused a bit of friction whereas I just wanted everyone to get along and move forward.
What did you make of the response from fans about your participation on the show?
Oh my God it was overwhelming; I am so grateful. I’m so grateful for the network for giving me a platform to grow. Ever since I was 14, I’ve always wanted to help and inspire people and more importantly, make them laugh. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m doing motivational speeches around the country in which I can tell my story of how I came from nothing. To get me through college I waited tables at TGI Fridays and I was a nanny in New York, so I can start telling people that failure and rejection is protection in life and just something that you have to go through. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to change people’s lives; apart from my children obviously! The moral is, if I can do it and walk straight without any shortcuts, the hard work and dedication will pay off. This season proves that you don’t need to be full of drama to stand out and a lot of the fans reacted so nicely to that.
There’s been a lot of post-season drama; which of the Housewives would you still call a friend at this point?
I’m close with all of them. I just got off the phone with Jacqueline, I talk to Melissa daily and Dolores and I are best friends. I would have to say Dolores and I speak the most. The Jersey Bond I think is very different to the other Housewives franchises. We all have a very common bond which is that we are all about family first and are obsessed with our husbands, ex-husbands and our children. It’s really hard to do a show when you’ve got children and husbands because when you don’t have to answer to a man, it’s a lot easier. It’s all about our families and we’re so obsessed that we call each other whenever something is happening with our families. Teresa, Dolores [Catania] and I went to Florida and we are already planning our next trip, unfortunately Melissa [Gorga] wasn’t able to make it. I just want all the best for everyone and the season was hard on everyone.
Do you think the portrayal and edit you got on the show was a fair one? A lot of Housewives think the editing room can be a cruel beast…
I think the edit is the real one because I cry in every episode and the emotion is raw. The show makes you realise and open your eyes to your own life which is so interesting. You can see in the show that I’m struggling to spend time with my children and with my parents. It’s a full circle and it’s something that people are watching worldwide which is both scary but also makes me feel proud. I mean there are some moments where I don’t look great whilst crying but that’s what you sign up for and it’s 100% real.
Are there any regrets or moments you look back on during the last season of RHONJ you wish you could change on a personal level?
I have no regrets. Something you learn is that you will always fall flat on your face so I don’t regret being that real on television. I feel nothing but grateful. Allowing me to have this platform to sell my book is a gift. It’s been tough to see other relationships fall apart but I can’t help being caring because that’s who I am. Some people may find it annoying that I cry in every episode but then they don’t need to watch me!
Should we expect to see you in the next season of RHONJ?
Contracts are coming up so you’ll have to ask me again in February!
There has been talk of Danielle Staub making her return to the show – is that something you’d like to see?
It doesn’t matter to me as I would welcome everyone. Bring it on! It’s never any of the other housewives who make the decision on who to bring in, so I’m always happy for anyone to join!
Read Full Interview Courtesy via Female First
Photo Credit: Bravo