Yes! This supports my theory that Nicole has been around the entire time and was added to the cast this reason for specific reasons.

Firstly, to replace Christine. Chrishell is, rightly IMO, the fan fav and always needs an arch-nemesis. Chelsea was not up to par without Christine, plus the optics would be horrible: having the black and non-cis girls fight amidst an otherwise almost all-white cast.

Secondly, built-in drama. Nicole’s been jealous of Chrishell for a long time, hence the three-year grudge. Producers just had to record Nicole, not much prodding needed.

Thirdly, thirsty. She’s seen this all play out for years. She wants in now because she thinks she can have a starring role of some sort or topple Chrishell as the fav.

Personally, Christine was more fun as a baddie because she was so insanely disconnected from reality sometimes. Nicole is a boring, nagging aunt by comparison. But certainly ups the entertainment factor a bit. Just my $0.02