Below Deck’s Ben Willoughby Faces Challenges in Season 11: A Crossroads Ahead

Ben Willoughby from Below Deck shared his thoughts on the latest episode on Instagram on Tuesday, April 16. It seems like he may not be too happy with how the rest of season 11 will unfold.

"I used to be a big fan of Below Deck. But there's a lot that goes unseen. I'm torn between telling the truth and not letting this affect me anymore," he shared with a fan who asked about his future on the show.

When Ben was questioned about his favorite and least favorite parts of season 11, he replied: "My low point was not enjoying this season because of various reasons. I didn't want to go back to St. David under those conditions."

Ben was promoted from lead deckhand to bosun on season 11 after Jared Woodin was let go by Captain Kerry Titheradge. When Dylan Pierre De Villiers joined the deck team, Ben had to pick a replacement for lead deckhand. He decided on Sunny Marquis, who he is currently romantically involved with on the show. Not everyone on the exterior crew was happy about Ben's choice.

Below Deck Ben Willoughby Not Enjoying This Season Says Drama Makes Him Not Want to Return 2

Ben Willoughby and Captain Kerry Titheradge Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

Ben has since alluded to the rest of the season taking an unexpected turn for him.

He expressed his disappointment on Instagram Story about not being able to control the final version of the show. Despite this, he remained firm in his beliefs and values. He acknowledged the importance of staying true to himself in the upcoming episodes.

Ben looked back on his experience on the show and shared some of the lessons he had learned. He mentioned that sometimes, he may have played into a certain character on the show, impacting his journey. Reflecting on this, he wished he had taken more time to appreciate the little moments and enjoy the journey.

The bosun expressed gratitude to fans for their support, acknowledging the challenges of reality TV. He highlighted how editing shapes the storyline to capture viewers' attention. Despite the selective portrayal, he cherished the opportunity to meet wonderful people during his experience. However, he lamented the amount of content that doesn't make it to the final cut.

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Ben expressed his willingness to appear on spinoff shows Below Deck Sailing and Below Deck Mediterranean despite facing drama. He mentioned to We that his working relationship with Kerry underwent significant changes during the season.

Ben admitted that Captain Kerry has a military-style approach with a strong emphasis on authority. He found it challenging to adapt to this leadership style as it clashed with his preferred approach. This led to some friction between them, which viewers may witness in the upcoming episodes.

Below Deck season 11 airs on Bravo Mondays at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

We has reached out to Bravo for comment.

Editor's P/S:

Ben Willoughby's candid reflections on the latest season of "Below Deck" reveal his dissatisfaction with the show's unfolding narrative. While he once enjoyed the experience, he now finds himself grappling with the disconnect between the reality he experienced and the version presented to viewers. Ben's concerns highlight the inherent challenges of reality television, where editing and selective storytelling can shape perceptions and overshadow the true experiences of participants.

Despite his frustrations, Ben remains grateful for the opportunity to meet remarkable individuals and gain valuable life lessons. His willingness to participate in spinoff shows suggests a desire to continue exploring the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of reality television. However, his acknowledgment of the show's limitations serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry often prioritizes sensationalism over authenticity.