Teresa Who? Bravo Eyeing Caroline Manzo To Return In Her Place!

What’s old is new again!

The Real Housewives of New Jersey just wrapped their explosive reunion, but already Bravo is thinking ahead to next season and trying to figure out what to do now that its star, Teresa Giudice, 42, must report to prison on Jan. 5.

While RadarOnline.com exclusively confirmed that Bravo is eyeing Jacqueline Laurita, 44, for full time status in the upcoming seventh season, a source close to production now reveals that they are also looking at Caroline Manzo, 53.

“Bravo has always liked Caroline,” the source tells Radar. “They realize with Teresa gone they are going to have to do something to keep viewers intrigued, interested, and tuned in.

Ratings were slipping this season, but improved when Kathy Wakile and Laurita returned. Now, “Bravo wants to ensure the ratings for next season are strong,” notes the source. “Caroline always brought Italian-Mom realness to the show, which viewers connected with. She also has a big fan base.”

What about the comments Manzo previously made that wives who returned to the franchise are crazy? “Caroline always likes to keep people thinking about what her next move will be,” notes the source. “If the offer from Bravo is right, Caroline will definitely consider it.”

And it looks like Manzo’s spin-off series, Manzo’d With Children, wouldn’t be affected by whatever decision she makes. Says the source, “Manzo’d exceeded Bravo’s expectations ratings-wise and they are definitely interested in another season.”