Jim Marchese Claims ‘RHONJ’ Could Go On Without Teresa Giudice

Jim Marchese doesn’t think The Real Housewives of New Jersey needs Teresa Giudice. As reports continue to swirl regarding whether or not the Bravo series will continue without her, Marchese spoke out, confirming rumors of the show being canceled are “fiction.”

Marchese revealed the following during a January 13 interview with FOX 411.

“From what I understand, it takes a three or four month break after filming. The time frames I would start to expect shooting wouldn’t be for a month or two, and from the storylines — people’s lives — there’s so much that can still go on.”

Although many would argue Giudice’s non-stop legal drama, as well as her conflicts with the other women, were the major draw for viewers, Jim Marchese insists her antics aren’t necessary for the show’s success.

“It’s not about just one character. It’s all the characters. There was one episode that drew a lot of attention and she [Teresa] wasn’t even there. The show does well because of the dynamics of the group and the interaction of the group. I believe the show can go on without Teresa.”

As the Inquisitr reported on Tuesday, TMZ recently claimed The Real Housewives of New Jersey was in jeopardy of being shelved because of Giudice’s prison term.

Conflicting with Jim Marchese’s comments, TMZ reported the following on January 13:

“Teresa Giudice may have just had a reversal of fortune, because we’ve learned Bravo is seriously considering shelving ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘ until Teresa gets sprung… they think she’s THAT important to the success of the show. Our sources say Bravo execs have been holding meetings and they’re ‘strongly leaning’ in the direction of putting the show on ice, because without Teresa it’s boring. Bravo is worried a bad season could tank the show, and it’s just safer to wait. This is not sitting well with the rest of the cast. Bruised egos aside, the women are pissed at the prospect of not pulling in a paycheck for more than a year. She’s serving 15 months.”

On January 5, Giudice, who has been featured on The Real Housewives of New Jersey since Season 1, entered into a 15-month prison term for charges of bank and wire fraud. Her husband, Joe, was also sentenced to prison time, and will begin his 41-month term when Giudice is released.

Jim Marchese and his wife Amber joined The Real Housewives of New Jersey in 2014, ahead of Season 6.

[Photo via Twitter]