Steve Lodge, the ex-fiancé of reality TV star Vicki Gunvalson, has been a topic of interest ever since their breakup became public knowledge. As fans of The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (RHUGT) know, Gunvalson’s split from Lodge was not just a personal ordeal but also became a widely discussed event in the reality TV world. But who exactly is Steve Lodge, and how did his relationship with Vicki evolve? Let’s explore.
How Did Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson Meet?
Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson first crossed paths in 2016. Their introduction came during a Boys & Girls Clubs charity event in Anaheim, California. At the time, both were drawn to each other, and their chemistry eventually led to a blossoming relationship. Lodge, a retired police officer and politician, found himself in the public eye when he began dating Gunvalson, the longest-standing cast member of RHOC.
Their relationship initially seemed to be a breath of fresh air for Vicki, who had just come out of a tumultuous relationship with Brooks Ayers, known for the infamous cancer scandal on the show. Steve, with his calm and grounded demeanor, appeared to be the opposite of Vicki’s previous love interests. Also read Vicki Gunvalson discloses a terrifying health crisis, Vicki Gunvalson Sued by 74-Year-old Woman for Financial Elder Abuse and Fraud.
How Long Were Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson Together?
Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson were together for nearly six years, starting in 2016. The couple got engaged in April 2019 after three years of dating, much to the excitement of RHOC fans and Vicki’s close friends. The engagement was a significant milestone, especially since Vicki had previously expressed her desire to find lasting love after her previous relationship struggles.
However, despite their engagement, the couple never set a wedding date. Over time, cracks in the relationship began to show, and the couple eventually went their separate ways in 2021. By the time of their breakup, they had been engaged for two and a half years. You may also read Tristan Thompson Is Dating A Kim Kardashian Look-A-Like, Did Shraddha’s Cousin Zanai Unfollow Rahul Mody on Instagram, and Did Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt Break Up?
What Led to Steve and Vicki’s Breakup?
The breakup between Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson came as a shock to many, especially considering how long they had been together. Vicki herself was blindsided by the split. In an emotional moment during The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Ex-Wives Club, Vicki revealed to her castmates that Steve had broken up with her the day before she arrived at the Berkshires for the filming of the show.
Vicki shared her heartbreak with the other women, expressing confusion over what led to the breakup. “We are now officially broken up. My heart is broken, and I don’t know what happened,” she said during the premiere episode.
While Steve reportedly claimed that no one else was involved, Vicki disclosed that there were deeper issues in their relationship. One significant detail she revealed was that their intimate life had changed significantly before the breakup—they hadn’t been intimate for 13 months. Vicki also mentioned that Steve had plans to move out of her home, which only added to her feelings of loneliness and fear of being single again.
Did Steve Lodge Ever Comment on the Breakup?
While Vicki was vocal about her emotions during the breakup, Steve Lodge remained more reserved in public discussions. However, reports suggest that he had been ready to move on from the relationship before the official split. According to sources close to Lodge, the relationship had been deteriorating for some time, and they both had different visions of their future together.
Lodge’s decision to end things with Vicki was reportedly due to their growing incompatibilities. While Vicki wanted a lasting relationship and, possibly, a wedding, Steve had other priorities and did not seem to be on the same page.
What Happened to the Engagement Ring?
One question fans had after the breakup was about the engagement ring. Vicki made it clear that she would not be returning the ring to Steve. In one of the episodes of RHUGT, she revealed that she had purchased the ring herself. “The ring that he could afford was not what I wanted, so I’m good with buying my own ring,” Vicki said. This statement highlighted her independence and confidence in making her own decisions, even when it came to something as personal as an engagement ring.
What is Steve Lodge Known For Professionally?
Steve Lodge is best known for his career as a police officer and a politician. He worked for many years in law enforcement, building a reputation as a dedicated public servant. After retiring from the police force, Lodge pursued a career in politics. He ran for various public office positions in Orange County, including a bid for Anaheim City Council. His political aspirations were part of the reason why he kept a relatively low profile during his relationship with Vicki.
Despite his involvement in politics, Steve Lodge’s relationship with Vicki Gunvalson brought him more into the spotlight, especially in the realm of reality TV. However, he largely kept his personal life separate from his professional endeavors and avoided appearing on *RHOC* as much as possible.
Has Steve Lodge Moved On After the Breakup?
After the breakup, it appears that both Steve and Vicki have moved on with their lives. Vicki confirmed in several interviews that she had started dating again and even went Instagram official with a new man months after the split. While Steve Lodge has remained relatively quiet about his dating life post-Vicki, there are no confirmed reports of him being in a serious relationship since their breakup.
Vicki’s candidness about her feelings toward the breakup has resonated with fans who have followed her emotional journey on reality TV. She has openly admitted her fear of being alone, yet she has also shown resilience in moving forward and seeking happiness.
What Is the Status of Vicki Gunvalson and Steve Lodge’s Relationship Now?
As of now, Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson have completely gone their separate ways. There have been no public signs of reconciliation, and both seem to be focused on their individual lives. For Vicki, being back in the dating scene has been a new chapter, and for Steve, life seems to have returned to a more private and low-key existence.
While the end of their relationship was painful for both, especially Vicki, it appears that both are seeking peace and closure in their own ways.
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