Since conversations about series 18 of The Real Housewives of Cheshire – the show's upcoming milestone, ten-year anniversary season – begun, the Housewives have been promising a "crazy" season and, of course, the fandom have been speculating epic OG returns.
We've - to be fair - been stirring the pot and keeping the rumour mill turning here, too. But, hey, it's our fave, too.
Given that it's been ten years since the likes of Tanya Bardsley, Ampika Pickston and Dawn Ward became household names in season one, and the fact that Tanya and Ampika have already made their epic returns to the franchise in recent months, day one fans are naturally manifesting the return of Mrs Ward...
Now, since announcing her departure from the series in December 2020 and then relocating to Dubai with her family, Dawn has rarely (publicly) reminisced over her time on the show (aside from a few jaw-dropping interviews over the years where she's thrown sprinklings of shade at certain cast members), so much so that the possibility of her ever returning to the show was just looking bleak.
The only glimmer of hope we've had is that we know for certain that Dawn is still in touch with series regulars Rachel Lugo and Nicole Sealey, and in our minds Rachel and Nicole use this time to beg Wardy to make her return.
Alas, four years on from Dawn's exit and she has not returned to the show, even as a guest.
But. What's this? A glimmer of hope on the Dubai horizon? Possibly.
In a recent Instagram Q&A, Dawn responded to a fan question that we promise wasn't sent in by a Closer employee, "Are you going to get back on TV? Miss your face."
Dawn responded with the biggest tease ever, writing, "Later on this year, keep your eyes peeled."
Now, of course, this could mean absolutely anything. To be honest, we've always wanted Dawn to launch her own Kardashians-esque reality show with her equally glam family, but alas, nada. However, there's every chance this could mean ITV producers have finally picked up the phone and given our Dawn a call about this year's RHOCheshire special (if it happens). There's still no word as to whether a special – following on from the Pride special and Christmas cruising) – is on the cards at ITVBe this year, but we think we can all agree that Dawn's involvement would be the stuff of legend.
Filming for series 18 is expected to pick up in January 2025, but who knows, perhaps they're starting filming a little earlier this season to work around an extra special returning icon? Manifest with us, people.
Diehard fans might remember that back in October 2023, Dawn did actually exclusively talk about the possibility of her returning to the series with Closer online.
During our chat, we asked Dawn if she’d ever return to the show – even as as a guest - and speaking on behalf of ICE36, she admitted, “Well, firstly I’ve never been asked… I thought they’d at least ask me if I’d like to but I’ve not.”
She continued, “I’d never say never [to returning to the show]. I love the Housewives. I’ve had 12 amazing seasons on there. It’s been incredible, I’ve got no regrets I loved every minute of it. Ups and downs.
“Its been incredible for my family. I’m a huge fan of the show. I will always support the show. I’m now a member of the public watching it as a fan.”
She went on to say, “Never say never but I don’t live in the UK anymore, I live here [in Dubai] so I’m concentrating on doing projects with my family at the moment. So watch this space…”
Still watching, Dawn 👀
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Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about TOWIE, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅