'Real Housewives of New Jersey' season 7 filming delayed to include Teresa Giudice's release from prison?

Teresa Giudice arrives at the Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey, March 4, 2014Reuters/ Eduardo Munoz

Teresa Giudice's future on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is still uncertain given that the reality star is still serving her prison sentence for fraud at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. As Bravo is set to start filming season 7 of the hit franchise soon, this could mean that the 43-year old won't be appearing in the show's upcoming season, as Giudice will still be in prison until her release for home confinement on Dec. 23. 

However, a new report claims that Bravo definitely wants Giudice to be part of the new season, and according to insiders, the network will delay filming for "RHONJ" until this fall because the mother of four is reportedly in final talks to begin filming the Bravo series. 

"None of the cast members of RHONJ have signed contracts for next season," a source told Radar Online. "But there isn't anything to be concerned about because filming has been pushed from the summer and won't be beginning until late September, early October." 

If the reports are true, then Giudice will be featured on later episodes of season 7, and it is also rumored that Bravo will capture the moment when she gets released from prison. 

The insider said "RHONJ" cannot run on the other cast members' storylines alone, since "there just isn't a lot going on with the women." 

"With her on board, cameras would film Joe's final days with the family as he prepares to begin his 41-month prison sentence," added the source. 

According to a report from NY Daily News, fans should expect that season 7 of the hit Bravo series will revolve around Giudice and that her relatives will tell the story of the star's time behind bars as well. 

However, Radar Online reports that before Giudice can begin work on the reality show, the probation officer must sign off on her employer. Sources told the website that a decision is expected very soon.