It helps to have friends in high places! When Eileen Davidson was pondering the perfect gift to get her pal Erika Girardi – a woman who has everything money can buy – only one thing came to mind, a guest spot on her soap, The Young and The Restless.
And long-time viewer Erika was not only thrilled, she’s managed to parlay it into a recurring guest role!
“I’ve been back twice and I’d love to go back again obviously but they have to ask,” the 45-year-old tells TV WEEK as she hits Australia to publicise reality streaming service Hayu.
“I’m a day player so I just come in and out but everyone there has been really great. Peter Bergman (Jack) and I did a scene together and I’ve been a fan of his for a really long time so that was nice.
“I was so lucky to have an incredible professional like Eileen (who plays Ashley) hold my hand and show me the ropes otherwise I would have gone down in major flames.”
For fans of the Real Housewives favourite, they’d know that going down in flames is an unlikely turn of events for Erika.
Renowned for her calm – some would even say cool – demeanour – not much ruffles this woman’s feathers.
But just because she rarely shows her emotion, it doesn’t mean the most recent season didn’t sting.
During the series, which is now available to stream on Hayu, Erika came under attack from a few of the women, most notably newcomer Dorit Kemsley. And she admits that at times watching the scenes back was difficult at times.
“We have to watch it back because we have to blog about it,” she explains. “It opens some old wounds and feelings get hurt for sure.”
The cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
And for those who say the action is scripted?
Erika, who is married to Erin Brockovich’s real-life lawyer, Thomas Girardi, says she doesn’t need anyone to pen storylines for her.
“They always say the truth is stranger than fiction,” she says. “Well I know my truth is stranger than fiction. I don’t need to make up anything in my life, I’m doing just fine!”
