The reality star’s latest outburst was allegedly a cause of a buildup of heavy emotions after her closest pal’s health battle

TAMRA Judge has felt ‘unstable’ and ‘volatile’ due to her best friend Teddi Mellencamp’s health crisis as she ‘quits’ The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Yesterday, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Tamra, 57, exited the show after growing tension with nemesis Gretchen Rossi during a cast trip to New Orleans this week.

The darker atmosphere has only been intensified in recent weeks after one of Tamra’s closest friends, Teddi, 43, was rushed to the hospital to undergo brain surgery on multiple tumors.

Teddi first shared her melanoma diagnosis in 2022 and in January, the former RHOBH star revealed that the cancer had spread to her brain.

She continues to receive medical treatment for the condition – which has also since spread to her lungs.

Amidst the health crisis, Tamra rashly announced that she was done for good with Real Housewives of Orange County – allegedly after a heated exchange with rival Gretchen.

A source close to the group has told The U.S. Sun that Tamra is having a more difficult time right now as she continues to process her friend’s ongoing health battle.

“Tamra is in a more volatile state right now because of Teddi’s condition, that’s no secret.

“Her meltdown was absolutely intensified because of how unstable she is because of Teddi right now, at least that’s what people around her think.

“Some of the cast members have a lot of compassion for her and understand her best friend is going through something so unbelievably excruciating which in turn has been a heavy, heavy weight for Tamra.

“But some of her cast mates are accusing her of using Teddi’s health crisis to put a band-aid on her bad behavior and to dismiss certain comments she’s made that led to their tense talk which then led to Tamra storming off the show.

“Her overreaction, according to her, is a mix of also having a difficult time processing what is going on with Teddi. Tamra is very sensitive right now.”

The insider claimed that while production is “not thrilled” she’s speaking out about casting matters midseason, she is not in danger of getting fired over it.

“They understand there’s a lot of layers going on with her right now and if she does decide to come back, which it already sounds like she wants to, then they’ll allow it,” they added.

On Monday, a source close to production provided more context on the messy announcement, saying: “Tamra quit in the middle of the New Orleans trip with the girls.

“It was just after filming an emotional scene that turned into a heated discussion and then a shouting match with Gretchen and Shannon.

“Ultimately, Tamra can dish it but she can’t take it which longtime viewers well know.

“She’s overreacting and throwing a tantrum like a child because she isn’t getting her way.”

The insider claimed that “nothing big enough to quit actually happened” – and alleged that Tamra is “seeking attention and it looks like she’s gotten it.”

“She said she’s done for good but if the money is right, she will be back,” they added.

Tamra and Gretchen have had a rocky history – which dates back to 2008 when Gretchen first appeared on RHOC during season four.

TA-TA, TAMRA?

Tamra shocked the Bravo-verse late Sunday night when she took to Instagram and shared a cryptic post: “It was a long run!

“When life gives you real problems this reality s**t doesn’t make sense. Peace out … I’m out!”

Fans were instantly concerned, with one fan account sharing her post and asking if this was confirmation that she had “quit”.

The Bravo-lebrity then responded to the post which asked “Is Tamra quitting?” with “Yes!!!”