By Patti Martin
There are countless housewives in Monmouth County, but only two Colts Neck-area sisters can call themselves “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
After an eight-month hiatus, the hit Bravo “reality” series is set to make its sixth season premiere July 13. In advance of the premiere, Bravo will be airing a special sneak preview at 10 p.m. June 1.
All we can say is hold on to your tables, because there’s going to be some flipping out going on. And much of that drama will be delivered courtesy of some familiar faces – sisters Teresa Napolitano Aprea and Nicole Napolitano Mauriello, who hail from Colts Neck. The sisters will be joined by Amber Marchese as the new faces of the franchise.
Make no mistake this trio is opinionated, brash and a just a tad bit risque. In other words, they’ll fit right in with the other “Housewives,” who are pros at bringing on the insults, backstabbing and drama.
Although their names were leaked months ago, Bravo formally introduced the new cast mates earlier this month. Here’s what Bravo has to say about the newest New Jersey housewives:
Teresa Aprea:Teresa, a resident of Colts Neck, N.J., is one half of a dynamic set of twins. Her twin sister, Nicole, is her best friend and together they exude positive energy, love and are always ready for a party. Teresa lives with her husband, Rino, and their son, Giovanni, 18. Teresa first married her husband Rino back in 1991, later divorced and after 11 years apart did it all over again. In her free time she helps her husband run their award-winning restaurants, Angelo’s of Mulberry Street in Manhattan and Areo in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Teresa loves to travel from one end of the globe to the next, and believes there is nothing better than traveling the world with family and meeting new and interesting people along the way.
***BOLDNicole Mauriello:***END Nicole is the ying to Teresa’s yang. She is the mother of two teenage boys, Joey, 14, and Anthony, 16. Nicole, fashion-forward and ahead of every trend, prides herself on looking and feeling her best. One of her biggest joys is cooking dinner at home and spending time with her family. Nicole is extremely ambitious, as she ran a family restaurant at 20 years old, and studied at St. John’s University, as well as at the American University of Rome. After her divorce, Nicole started a brand new career in private aviation and works for a premiere jet charter brokerage handling high-profile clients helping them globetrot around the world to exotic and exciting places. While Nicole may have a heart of gold, do not mistake her kindness for weakness.
Amber Marchese: Born and raised in the great state of New Jersey, Amber is married to James Marchese and is the mother to Corbin and Isabella, and stepmother to Michael and Sebastian. She puts her family above everything else and ingrains in them traditional values. Amber graduated with a B.A., and then acquired a master’s degree in bio-behavioral studies/exercise physiology from Columbia University. Cancer free for five years, Amber was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and attributes being a better mother, wife and person to her battle. With a passion for health and wellness, she created her own fitness brand called “Vici fitness.” Amber is a philanthropist, raising awareness for young women with cancer and assisting them with the emotional and financial impact of the disease.
To make room for the new “Housewives,” the show said goodbye to Caroline Manzo (who’s set to star in her own Bravo spinoff show, “Manzo’d with Children”) and her sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita (although she’ll be popping up on Caroline’ show). Kathy Wakile and Rosie Pierri will be back – but in limited roles. Fan favorite Dina Manzo – who left the show after the second season – is also returning.
Of course, Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga will be front and center for all the action.
While Bravo declined to comment, there’s been speculation that the show, which typically debuts in May or June, was delayed because Teresa and her husband, Joe, will be sentenced in their federal fraud case July 8. It wouldn’t be in good form, unnamed sources have said, for the couple to go on a high-profile media tour before their court appearance. Joe Giudice faces a recommended sentence of 37 to 46 months, while Teresa Giudice faces up to 27 months in federal prison.
So what can we expect this season?
Bravo provides this overview:
Teresa and her husband, Joe, fight to keep their family intact as they embark on a very public legal battle for their freedom. Teresa’s oldest friend, and veteran housewife, Dina, returns to help her soul-sister, but ends up revealing her own private pain. With a divorce on the horizon and her daughter, Lexi, heading off to college, Dina attempts to face her fear of dating in the 21st century. Things do not come up smelling like roses this season for Melissa, as she partners with her husband, Joe Gorga, hoping to begin a career in the sanitation business. Melissa’s friend from the past, Amber, a no-nonsense Jersey native and breast cancer survivor, tries to rekindle their friendship, but stirs up trouble in the process. Nicole and Teresa are identical twins with an over-the-top Neapolitan style. Teresa and her husband, Rino, own one of the most prestigious Italian restaurants in Little Italy. Nicole is a two-time divorcee, struggling to balance her career as a jet broker and her new relationship with a man her family doesn’t approve of. The six wives begin to form a strong bond, but when shocking rumors of infidelity and backstabbing surface it threatens to tear their friendships to pieces.
Looks like another typical day in Jersey.
Can’t wait for the special sneak peak? Check out this clip featuring the old faces, new faces and explosive drama: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey/season-6/videos/the-ladies-of-jersey-are-coming-back.
