Since its inception in 2013, the Below Deck franchise has welcomed hundreds of yachties onboard. However, many of these hired hands have since walked the plank. While some of these absences left me curled up in a penis-shaped blanket, celebrating my best life in silence (I’m a loner, Dottie, a rebel), others left me bummed out. I can count at least one fallen yachtie from every spinoff across this franchise that nailed it only to then hightail it, and so, I will. Here are the five Below Deck stars I would love to see again on Bravo.
I could make this list wildly long, to be clear, as many former personalities were terrific at their jobs. They were also crazy fun to watch. However, let’s break away from the staples that often get discussed. Instead, let’s focus on those that only lasted one or two seasons before they sadly disappeared.
Ileisha Dell – Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Chef Ileisha Dell was last (and only) seen on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4. Below Deck chefs are known for their temperamental ways, but not this one. Ileisha got along with everyone onboard. She also performed her job stupidly well, sans any tantrums in the galley.
Ileisha also poured her heart into her craft. Every plate she sent out saw the love arising within her pleased-as-punch charter guests. From acing 10-course meals to her colorful Pride-themed dinner with seven courses, Ileisha nailed everything she touched. And she did it all on a sailboat that often tipped, throwing her tiny galley into disarray at a moment’s notice.
So many chefs in this franchise have lost their minds over minor, insignificant matters. They then created a funk in the galley that unbalanced the rest of their episodes. They could never perform as Ileisha did, at least not without losing their cool, which is why I need Ileisha back on Below Deck, stat.
But also, she rides unicycles. Ileisha is a legend. I will not consider any arguments that state otherwise.
Nathan Morley – Below Deck Adventure
Deckhand Nathan Morley walked on to Below Deck Adventure Season 1, but then he and this entire spinoff disappeared. This bye-bye act sucks because Norway is breathtaking, and Nathan was fun AF. Despite being treated horribly by his quickly-fired cabin mate and then receiving an injury from a fall down a flight of stairs, his smile never wavered. Nathan also understood the value of hard work, so his efforts on deck were always high.
When his season aired, we saw Nathan rise to the call of duty, time and time again. He even turned into a Chippendales-like entertainer for a rowdy group of guests. They loved his efforts, as their tip left proved. When his season wrapped, Nathan graciously gave a shout-out to all who worked beside him because he was a solid, precious human.
The world needs more people like Nathan. And even though BDA is likely never returning to Bravo, I’d love to see Nathan triumphantly returning via any of the Below Deck series.
Margot Sisson – Below Deck Down Under
Margot Sisson was part of a dark storyline during Season 2 of Below Deck Down Under. None of this was her fault. To keep this section as trigger-free as possible, I will stick to the facts by simply stating that a drunken bosun tried to take advantage of her while she slept, blacked out in her bunk. Like heroes, production flung open her door and got that asshat out.
Even though Aesha Scott loved on Margot, this killed her stew’s season. Margot’s drinking increased to the point of all concern, but she had the kindest crew on the planet (once the perp and his equally ugh lady-friend got plane tickets home), and they rallied around Margot for the remainder of Season 2. Due to their support, little by little, we saw her personality emerging, and her dry statements and observations made me LOL so many times. You guys, do a rewatch if you forgot because Margot was hysterical.
Margot caught a raw deal. Her season got tainted by a twat, so if you ask me, there is no one better to make a return to this series than Margot.
Colin Macy-O’Toole – Below Deck Mediterranean
I respectfully adore Colin Macy-O’Toole. This hysterical, kind-hearted deckhand appeared on Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 3 and 4. He was good at his job and stayed kind to everyone on board, even when the tensions ran high. I was so excited to see Colin returning for Season 4, but then he disappeared, and this series grew toxic for a few beats.
Coincidence? I think not. (But probably)
On a personal level, I am very close with my son, so when Colin’s parents surprised him on BDM, I wept. His reaction was so pure and precious. Colin embodies everything right in this world. Need further proof?
When a yachtie was about to lose their position, Colin tried to take their ax. When he got rejected by an (obviously) blind stew, he shook it off and never once tried to talk her into changing her mind. He is honor, respect, a legend, and the moment. I need Colin back on BDM.
Hayley De Sola Pinto – Below Deck
Stewardess Hayley De Sola Pinto appeared on Below Deck Season 10. During this season, she quickly bonded with her Chief Stew, Fraser Olender. The dynamics between these two were hysterical, as their sarcastic, witty personalities were almost always perfectly aligned. While Fraser returned for BD Season 11, his fiery red-headed sidekick sadly did not, and if I could scream at a Bravo executive for this casting faux pas, I would.
There was something about Hayley that drew me in. She had that “it” factor. Also, the way she veered away from the drama was impressive, as she was always a consummate professional. That is, until her nights off, but even then, she’d let her hair down and act a fool in non-toxic ways.
Hayley was funny and sassy, and she worked hard. Therefore, I would love to see Hayley back on Below Deck. Bonus points if she returns to work underneath Fraser.
TELL US – WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ANY OF THESE FIVE YACHTIES MAKE A TRUMPHANT RETURN TO BELOW DECK? WHO ELSE WOULD YOU ADD TO THIS LIST?
