Another Brooks? Vicki Gunvalson Defends New Man From Cast Backlash

Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson is choosing love over a storyline! The 54-year-old reality TV veteran officially introduced her boyfriend, Steve Lodge, to her fans on-air, but RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned from a source close to Gunvalson that after a wave of backlash she's decided to take their relationship private.

Gunvalson's boyfriend, Lodge, appeared on last week's episode of RHOC for the first time, well past six months into their relationship. But while fans are hoping to see their love blossom on the show, RadarOnline.com has learned that is not going to happen!" Vicki does not want to destroy this relationship by bringing Steve on the show as a cast member," an insider explained.

And it's not just because Gunvalson wants to help him hide the skeletons in his closet, the source claims?

"Vicki just does not want to make the same mistake that she did with her ex, Brooks Ayers, by allowing him to be a regular on RHOC," said the insider.

Gunvalson's nemesis, Tamra Judge, 49, has publicly given Lodge her seal of approval, but the source told RadarOnline.com, "Vicki is still very skeptical! She knows how much the rest of the girls would love to destroy her and Steve, just as they did with her and Brooks."

And even though Gunvalson's new love story could bring in big ratings, she's holding firm. "The network is begging her to bring Steve on to film a bunch of episodes but Vicki says she is not going to budge on this. She does not want fame to go to his head and change him like it changed Brooks," the insider told RadarOnline.com.