Below Deck crew member Ben Willoughby shares if he plans to return to the franchise in 2025. The Ripley County, Indiana native debuted as a deckhand in Below Deck season 10. He showed exceptional skills and became the lead deckhand within the first five episodes. In 2024, Ben joined Below Deck season 11. He earned another promotion and assumed the role of bosun. Besides earning the promotion, Ben was also successful at sparking a boatmance. He impressed Canadian Deckhand Marie “Sunny” Marquis, which became a controversial subject on Captain Kerry Titheradge’s boat.
Since Ben is one of the most notable names on the show, fans have wondered if he plans to be a regular on the franchise like some of the former cast members, such as Kate Chastain. Thankfully, Ben has shared his two cents on the subject and revealed what is in the future for him. Recently, he answered a fan who asked, “will you return next season?” The bosun wrote, “don’t count on it,” telling viewers not to get their hopes up about seeing him return in Below Deck season 12.
Is Ben Willoughby Dragging Down Below Deck Crew?
Ben Had A Public Fight With His Below Deck Co-Star, Barbie Pascual
Ben has been blunt about his feelings for fellow cast members and whether he wants to work with them again. Previously, the bosun posted an Instagram Story in which he refused to work with Captain Kerry. He wrote, “I will never work for Captain Kerry in the future.” In May 2024, he found himself in a heated feud with Barbie Pascual on social media, sparked by a photo he posted without her consent. The stew told him to stop embarrassing himself. However, Ben escalated the fight by accusing Barbie of “blowing smoke up people’s a**.”
It seems like Ben doesn’t want to return to Below Deck . However, that doesn’t mean he’ll quit the franchise. The Below Deck bosun doesn’t want to work with Captain Kerry but can still be part of Captain Sandra “Sandy” Yawn’s team.
Captain Sandy is far more peaceful and known for her soft leadership. She may be someone Ben could work with in the future. The bosun could also join the Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Captain Glenn Shephard is compassionate and treats his crew like his kids. Ben may enjoy working with him because of his kind nature.
Unfortunately, Ben will have to fix his behavioral problems if he ever wants to stand out again. The new bosun has ruined his reputation by showing problematic behavior throughout season 11.
He has become a villain, someone many viewers don’t want to see on the show again. Ben must alter his attitude if he wants to continue his reality TV journey. The bosun must show behavioral improvement and an ability to co-exist with his team. Another controversial bosun, João Franco, was also unlikeable in the Below Deck spin-off. However, he fixed his image by showing genuine change and quitting alcohol.
