'I'm in this nightmare': Teresa Giudice shows the strain of looming prison time in season premiere of Real Housewives of New Jersey

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 01:35 EST, 14 July 2014 | Updated: 06:21 EST, 14 July 2014

She is facing a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty to fraud charges.

And as the Real Housewives of New Jersey kicked off its sixth season on Sunday night, the strain on Teresa Giudice’s family was the main focus.

Opening up about her troubles to pal Dina Manzo, she said: 'You know what’s stressing me out? I’m paying all these attorney fees. We’re chasing it and money’s going to attorneys.

Trouble ahead: In the season premiere of Real Housewives Of New Jersey Teresa Giudice opens up about her possible prison sentence for fraud charges and the strain it's putting on her family

Trouble ahead: In the season premiere of Real Housewives Of New Jersey Teresa Giudice opens up about her possible prison sentence for fraud charges and the strain it's putting on her family

'I could be putting this money away for my children’s college. That’s what breaks my heart. I had a normal life and now I’m in this nightmare. I just want to wake up and for everything to be the way it was.'

Teresa and her husband Joe Giudice, both 42, were indicted on 41 counts of fraud and tax charges last year, with a minimum sentence of 35 years.

Although they originally denied the accusation, the couple eventually pleaded guilty to fraud in March – five counts for Joe and four for Teresa.

Tense: Teresa and her husband Joe Giudice, both 42, were indicted on 41 counts of fraud and tax charges last year

Tense: Teresa and her husband Joe Giudice, both 42, were indicted on 41 counts of fraud and tax charges last year

Good friend: Dina Manzo lends an ear to her friend Teresa as she talks about her fears for the future

Good friend: Dina Manzo lends an ear to her friend Teresa as she talks about her fears for the future

Family first: The mother-of-four is doing her best to protect her daughters from their legal woes. Eldest daughter Gia told her mother that she' comprehends what¿s going on'

Family first: The mother-of-four is doing her best to protect her daughters from their legal woes. Eldest daughter Gia told her mother that she' comprehends what¿s going on'

Teresa faces a recommended sentence of up to 27 months behind bars, while Joe – an Italian citizen – could be looking at 47 months and possible deportation.

And even though the mother-of-four is doing her best to protect her daughters from their legal woes, her eldest daughter Gia was inconsolable.

'I’m old enough to comprehend what’s going on,' she told her mother before breaking down in tears.

'I don’t want you and your sisters to be affected by it,' Teresa said.

Back in town: Fan favourite Dina Manza returned to the show after quitting in season two

Back in town: Fan favourite Dina Manza returned to the show after quitting in season two

Twinning: Newcomers Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano are twin sisters who went to a private Catholic all-girls school

Twinning: Newcomers Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano are twin sisters who went to a private Catholic all-girls school

New friends: Newcomer sisters Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano share a toast with Amber Marchese before the party

New friends: Newcomer sisters Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano share a toast with Amber Marchese before the party

Despite the Giudice family’s troubles, the show must go on, and last night fan favourite Dina returned to screens after quitting in season two.

'The bitch is back and if you don’t like it you can kiss my a**,' she warned viewers and said she needed to get back onto the dating scene after splitting from husband Tommy.

'It turns out I’m pretty zen until you f*** with me,' she said.

'The bitch is back': Dina Manza makes an entrance at Amber's party escorted by friend Teresa

'The bitch is back': Dina Manza makes an entrance at Amber's party escorted by friend Teresa

Surprise: New girls Nicole and Teresa are surprised by Dina's appearance

Surprise: New girls Nicole and Teresa are surprised by Dina's appearance

'Tommy just has these little situations where these girls fall in love with him… He just doesn’t know. Sometimes there’s a line. If they’re young with big t*** you shouldn’t really be doing that.'

But despite the bravado, Dina – who has a two-legged dog and two hairless cats - later confessed she was worried about not moving on.

'I think my fear is not knowing love again. What if I’m not able to open my heart and I die like a lonely cat lady?' she told her therapist.

'I haven’t filed for divorce yet because I’m not seeing anyone else that I want to start a life with. I don’t think I’m ready to see anybody else.'

She added: 'I don’t understand why I can’t break these ties. The last time I had to get naked in front of a guy I was 20-years-old. I’ve got to get naked in front of somebody new eventually and that sucks.'

Enjoying the evening: Melissa Gorga, Amber, Teresa and Nicole chat together at the party

Enjoying the evening: Melissa Gorga, Amber, Teresa and Nicole chat together at the party

The Housewives season premiere also set up a potential war of words between Teresa’s sister-in-law Melissa Gorga and newcomer Amber Marchese.

The pair, who were close friends but lost touch, were reunited as Amber threw a fall harvest party at her New Jersey mansion.

Amber, however, became upset when Melissa said she did not realise she had battled cancer five years ago.

The hostess, who beat breast cancer after undergoing chemotherapy, said: 'How did you not know that? I’m surprised you wouldn’t have known because you sent me a Facebook message. You said ‘if there’s anything I can do, let me know’.

A little too much: Teresa Aprea had to take husband Rino home after he became too intoxicated

A little too much: Teresa Aprea had to take husband Rino home after he became too intoxicated

Misunderstanding: Amber became upset when Melissa said she did not realise she had battled cancer five years ago

Misunderstanding: Amber became upset when Melissa said she did not realise she had battled cancer five years ago

'I just want to let you know this is what I was feeling and I want to move on and understand a little bit more.'

Melissa, however, seemed baffled by news of her social media message and opened up about her concerns to Teresa Giudice and Dina.

'It’s a little awkward,' she said. 'She told me that she had cancer and she cannot believe that I didn’t know she had cancer. She told me that she got a Facebook message from me and then she said she deleted it and doesn’t have it any more. I don’t like to be accused of things that are not true.'

'I know the feeling. I know the feeling,' Teresa quipped.

Former friends: Amber and Melissa, who used to be good friends, have a disagreement about Amber's battle with cancer

Former friends: Amber and Melissa, who used to be good friends, have a disagreement about Amber's battle with cancer

Confused: Melissa opened up to Teresa Guidice and Dina about the misunderstanding with Amber saying 'It's a little awkward'

Confused: Melissa opened up to Teresa Guidice and Dina about the misunderstanding with Amber saying 'It's a little awkward'

Real Housewives fans were also introduced to new cast members Nicole Napolitano and Teresa Aprea – twin sisters who went to a private Catholic all-girls school.

While Nicole upset Amber by inviting too many friends to her party, Teresa Aprea had to take drunk husband Rino home.

'Listen to me, I could start a party at a funeral home,' Rino shouted as he marched towards the door.

'Rino why are you being like this?' Teresa – who insists her name is pronounced ‘Teressa’ pleaded.

'What the f*** you talking about? I’m going to Florida,' Rino said.

Close: Joe Guidice comforts worried daughter Gia at the end of the episode

Close: Joe Guidice comforts worried daughter Gia at the end of the episode

The season premiere, however, ended on a happier note as the Giudice clan all got together to celebrate Joe’s grandmother’s 80th birthday.

Addressing the clan, he said: 'Whenever anybody’s in trouble, this whole group is there in a minute.'

The episode was dedicated to Joe’s late father, Frank and the father-of-four was seen consoling granddaughter Gia.

'We did nothing wrong. I know we’ve got a lot of people against us, but don’t worry about it. I love you guys,' he said.

Frank Giudice collapsed from an apparent heart attack in Teresa and Joe’s yard last month. Teresa and Joe’s sentencing was delayed until September 23 as a result.

Sad year: Joe's father Frank suddenly passed away last month. He was with his father in the home's yard when tragedy struck.

Sad year: Joe's father Frank suddenly passed away last month. He was with his father in the home's yard when tragedy struck.

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BOO HOO they thought they were above the law and didn't have to pay taxes like the rest of us, well that money COULD be gong to your child's education IF you hadn't acted like the rules do not apply to you.

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When she goes to prison im sure it will be federal, she will have to walk foward and DON'T look back at her family. She needs to be strong , go foward to her term in prison and work on day to day issue. I know I had to do the samething. I was served 4yr. and I did 8mos. Out on ISP. Theresa you can do it. I know cause I am also Italian and have a loving family that supported me spirtual and was always there visiting and sending me mail. This will be the hardest time of your life...living up to the DDay. Sentencing. Just Think FOWARD ! One day at time. Thats all.

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In a fake television show about fake people doing fake things, while living in a house paid for with fake money, convicted of fraud....yup, you're living in a nightmare YOU created. Put on your big girl panties and grow up.

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Pretty sure the first episode ever of this show had her whipping out thousands in cash at a furniture store. No one does that unless there's something fishy with their income - she was both stupid enough to engage in illegal activity AND have it filmed on tv. Tax fraud is no joke. Sad for the 4 kids who could lose their parents due to ego and idiocy.

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You did it to yourself. Now, buck up and take your punishment. No one is immune from the law.

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I watched for a about 15 minutes too long last night. Shame on Bravo is all I can say, this is a feel sorry for teresa story. Sorry can't stomach to watch it. Joe should be deported no make that the whole family needs to go before they rip more people off. Who's buying her desserts? hahahaha!

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They brought their problems on themselves because of their extreme dishonesty. When they were lying on loan documents is when they might have paused and considered the effect on their children. I have no sympathy for them. For the children, yes, but not the parents.

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All that fake tan does is make her look unclean.

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"I had a normal life and now I'm in this nightmare"...sure you did. A normal life of cheating other hard working people because that's what happens when YOU don't pay your taxes and when YOU give false information to get a loan. Banks failed because of people like the Giudices and businesses failed because of people like them. She is despicable.

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Those are serious charges and they were found guilty. When you steal money from others, you're stealing from the mouths of babes. Now they've destroyed their childrens lives because they tried to "keep up with the Joness" and really needed those tacky clothes and poorly built row homes that are a dime a dozen.

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