Below Deck has showcased many Chief Stews since 2013, some of whom will not be returning to the reality TV show. Just like Bosuns and Captains, Chief Stews play a crucial role on a yacht. They oversee the team of Stews and ensure that the charter guests have a satisfying experience during their stay. Throughout the past 11 years, Below Deck has introduced viewers to a variety of Chief Stews, each with their own unique management style. While some have struggled in their roles, others have left a lasting impression on the audience, becoming memorable characters on the show.
One of the most notable Chief Stews from Below Deck is Kate Chastain. She appeared in multiple seasons and consistently excelled in her role. Kate maintained strong relationships with her crew and Captain Lee Rosbach, serving as a shining example of what it means to be a top-notch Chief Stew. Alongside Kate, Chief Stews like Katie Flood, Daisy Kelliher, Aesha Scott, Hannah Ferrier, Christine “Bugsy” Drake, Heather Chase, Natasha Webb, and a few others have also made their mark on the show with their outstanding performances. Despite their popularity, some of these talented Chief Stews will not be making a return to Below Deck, much to the disappointment of fans.
Natasha Webb
Below Deck Mediterranean Season 7
Natasha Webb Below Deck Mediterranean Smiling - Below Deck Mediterranean Season 7
Natasha Webb used to be a Chief Stew on Captain Sandy Yawn's yacht, but now she has no interest in being part of Below Deck Mediterranean. She was a great crew member who always handled her responsibilities well. However, after a controversial relationship with Chef Dave White, Natasha decided to skip the reunion and announced that she wouldn't be returning to the show. Instead, she has moved on with her musician boyfriend, Max Landry.
Francesca Rubi
Below Deck Season 8
Francesca Rubi Below Deck Smiling - Below Deck Season 8
Francesca Rubi was a standout Chief Stew on Below Deck, a key part of Captain Lee's crew. Many fans hoped she would be back for season 9, but she decided to leave the show for good. Captain Lee explained that Bravo didn't invite her back. Since then, Francesca has started a new career as a pilates instructor and seems to be enjoying her new path.
Adrienne Gang
Below Deck Season 1
Adrienne Gang Below Deck Smiling in promo pic - Below Deck Season 1
Adrienne Gang decided to leave Below Deck after the first season. She was disappointed when Bravo didn't invite her back for season 2. However, she later realized that the show had changed and become more dramatic and less authentic. Adrienne was actually relieved that she wasn't asked to return. She shared her thoughts with Cheatsheet.
“but now, if this is what Bravo wants? I’m okay with it.”
The former Chief Stew will likely never return to the Below Deck again because she doesn’t like what it has become.
Heather Chase
Below Deck
Heather Chase Below Deck Instagram Post
Custom Image By Neha Nathani
Jenna MacGillivray
Heather Chase, a former cast member of Below Deck season 9, has made it clear that she will not be making a return to the franchise. This decision was influenced by a heated conflict with co-star Rayna Lindsey, sparked by an incident where Heather used a racial slur while singing. The situation escalated, ultimately leading to Heather's departure from the show after completing the season. In 2023, Heather announced her retirement from the yachting industry, making a potential return to the show equivalent to coming out of retirement.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1
Jenna Macgillivray from Below Deck Sailing Yacht wearing uniform smiling - Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1 - Jenna MacGillivray
Faye Clarke
Viewers may be familiar with Daisy Kelliher from Below Deck Sailing Yacht, but let's not forget that season 1 showcased Jenna MacGillivray as the Chief Stew. Jenna was a valuable member of Captain Glenn Shephard's original crew and performed her duties admirably. Despite her stellar performance, Bravo has not brought her back for future seasons, and it seems unlikely that she will make a return. According to Monsters And Critics, a producer revealed that Jenna's romantic involvement with Chef Adam Glick played a significant role in the network's decision to exclude her from season 2.
Below Deck Adventure Season 1
Below Deck Adventure's Faye Clarke in on Yacht Mercury in uniform. - Below Deck Adventure Season 1
Faye Clarke from Below Deck Adventure may not make a comeback to the series as the spin-off show is unlikely to have a second season. In 2023, Faye discussed her future on the show, mentioning that she would consider returning when the series comes back for season 2. Unfortunately, Bravo decided not to move forward with a second season of Below Deck Adventure and instead, asked Captain Kerry Titheradge to lead their main series.
If the network had wanted Faye to return, they would have reached out to her for another spin-off some time ago. However, her absence suggests that she may not return to the series in the future. Additionally, Faye recently became a mother, so it is likely that she has moved on from her role as Chief Stew.
Kate Chastain
Below Deck Seasons 2-7
Kate Chastain Below Deck Looking Away Smiling - Below Deck Seasons 2-7
Kate had a successful run on Below Deck as Chief Stew for six seasons, impressing everyone with her performance. Although she has taken a step back from the series in recent years, she has remained close with her fellow crew members.
After becoming a mother, she shifted her focus to her other business ventures. In August 2023, Bravo TV asked Kate if she would ever come back to Below Deck. She playfully replied, "If that's the uniform, I would." Kate mentioned that if Below Deck let her wear the uniform from Project Runway, she would think about returning.
Hannah Ferrier
Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 1-5
Below Deck's Hannah Ferrier, with Captains Sandy, Lee, Kerry and Jason smiling - Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 1-5
Hannah was a reliable Chief Stew on Below Deck Mediterranean for five seasons, but she won't be making a comeback. Unfortunately, she was let go by Captain Sandy after being found with valium on the yacht. Hannah has mentioned that she would only consider returning if Captain Lee or Captain Jason Chambers requested her assistance. However, the likelihood of her return is low as Captain Lee has retired from Below Deck.
Below Deck season 11 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on Bravo.
Sources: Monsters And Critics, Cheatsheet, Heather Chase/Instagram, Monsters And Critics, Bravo TV
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of Chief Stews on the popular reality TV show "Below Deck." It showcases the diverse personalities and experiences of these individuals, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for charter guests. The article also sheds light on the reasons why some Chief Stews have chosen to leave the show, ranging from personal decisions to conflicts with crew members or production.
The insights into the personal lives and future plans of the Chief Stews are particularly captivating. It's fascinating to learn about their motivations for joining and leaving the show, as well as their current pursuits. The article effectively conveys the dynamics and challenges of working on a yacht, showcasing the dedication and hard work required to excel in this demanding role. Overall, the article offers a well-rounded perspective on the Chief Stews of "Below Deck," leaving readers with a deeper understanding of their contributions and the factors that influence their decisions to stay or leave the show.