The woman behind it, Erika Girardi, a.k.a.
1 singles on the U.S. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: When you first start on theHousewives, do you get to meet everyone beforehand?
ERIKA GIRARDI:No.
Credit: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
How deep are the relationships you make with the ladies?
Many of the other Housewives across the franchise have mentioned before they dont actually consider each other friends.
Where do you fall in that?
Well, I mean, I actually like my cast members.
We speak when were not filming and we can keep in touch.
Well meet for lunch and go over to each others houses from time to time.
They keep busy, but we stay in touch throughout the year.
What was your first experience with filming a reunion special?
Was it as grueling as others have made it out to be?
We started very early and went into the evening, so it was about a 12 to 14-hour day.
No one needed therapy afterward.
I mean, Yolandas [Foster] situation was different.
She was very hurt, she was ill and she had the hardest time, I think.
Thats my opinion anyway.
What can we expect to see from you this season that we didnt see last year?
Im having a lot of fun.
We get to know a lot about me, Erika.
What is something viewers dont know about you that you think they should?
Im just a regular woman who just happens to have a really incredible life.
What would you say is your main reason for originally joining the cast?
She used to only live in the clubs, but now shes in peoples living rooms.
I gathered a whole new fan base.
Was that new fame daunting at all?
Im 45 years old, so Im very comfortable in my own skin, so it wasnt scary.
I will say that Im always shocked at how big the show is and who watches the show.
It always brings a smile to my face.
Whether it be judges, or law enforcement, or attorneys, everyone watchesHousewives.
I think its everyones guilty pleasure.
The fame stuff though, whatever, who cares, you know what I mean?
Are you a fan of other Bravo shows?
Sure, I like to watchThe Real Housewives ofAtlantabecause thats my hometown.
Those girls always have it together.
Their hair, their makeup, their outfits, they always bring it all.
Its kind of genius, it really is.
If you created your own reality show, what would it be: competition-based or a straightforward day-in-the-life series?
This is the hardest question Ive ever been asked!
[Laughs] Life itself is sort of a competition.
So much would be based around performance and life and how we all get along.
Ive never really thought about it that truly threw me for a loop, so thanks!
Oh, thank you.
You have to find the humanity in everyone.
Were all in the same boat and have the same trials, so to hear that is really nice.
Everyone has their thing that it adds such a great layer.
Its not just a bunch of bitches who get together to fight.
Sell viewers on season 2.
I think youre going to like it.
You see the dynamics of the group change a bit, so its fun.
I get to know everyone a little bit better because this is year two for me.
The friendships get a little bit deeper.
I had a lot of fun, I really did.
Even with the newcomer Dorit and the drama we saw in the preview?
Then youre going to call me when the seasons over and say, E, you were right.
[Laughs] Youre going to have fun, everyone will who watches.
