"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice is expected to report to prison in a little less than a week to begin her 15-month sentence. The Bravo star, along with her husband Joe Giudice, was sentenced after being found guilty of bankruptcy fraud.
Reportedly, Bravo producers are panicking about what to do with the show while Giudice is behind bars. There's been talk that "RHONJ" could be delayed until 2016, when the 42-year-old is a free woman again but sources told Radar Online that producers are also thinking about making drastic changes to the cast.
"After all of the options were considered, Bravo did approach Teresa about filming prior to her heading off to prison with the intent of working her into the new season," the source said. "However, she was insisting she wanted an astronomical paycheck. Much to her surprise, they turned her down."
"Production is currently holding focus groups about moving forward without Teresa," the source added.
According to Radar, producers are trying to figure out if the new cast members won over viewers or if they need to make a few changes. Last season the show introduced Teresa Aprea and her twin sister Nicole Napolitano and Amber Marchese.
"If Bravo finds out that the public perception of the current cast is positive, they will likely begin filming in February; however, they are also exploring the option of putting the show on a hiatus until the fall," the source told Radar. "This would allow them to play around with the cast if need be and film around the normal timeframe the show films in, which is typically the fall."
Another source added that Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita are set to return and "Bravo is interested in bringing Kathy Wakile back to the franchise in a big way."
"When she appeared with Jacqueline last season, ratings went up," the source continued.
According to Radar, the show is also considering bringing Kathy's sister, Rosie Pierri, on as a full cast member.
