Below Deck Season 12 Filming Confirms Another Returning Cast Member After Boatmance (SPOILERS)
Below Deck season 12 has already begun filming, and with both Captain Kerry Titheradge and Chief Stew Fraser Olender already reported to be returning, there’s another familiar face joining the crew of yachties. Throughout Below Deck season 11, the crew worked well together despite having some hiccups in their interpersonal dynamics throughout the charter season. Fraser had some issues with the stews working on his team, especially stew Barbie Pascual, but made it through the charter season. After Bosun Ben Willoughby claimed he’d never return to Below Deck with Captain Kerry at the lead, questions remained about who would return.
Below Deck season 12 will see at least one more returning cast member alongside Captain Kerry and Fraser.
According to spoilers shared by Reddit user Darcybby, the cast was spotted filming in St. Marteen and one of the beloved Below Deck season 11 crew members that joined the St. David was present. Kyle Stillie, who worked as one of the deckhands aboard the yacht during Below Deck season 11, appeared to be on the crew for Below Deck season 12 as well. Fraser was also seen in one of the photos at what appeared to be a crew night out, and though he was spotted alone, Kyle was in a photo of one of the camera monitors shared in the post.
Will Kyle & Fraser’s Return Help Or Hurt Below Deck Season 12?
Fraser Struggled With His Management Style
The crew dynamic in Below Deck season 11 was interesting, especially in the way it unraveled toward the end of the season. While the crew worked well together once Cat Baugh and Jared Woodin left the superyacht, there was still a level of interpersonal drama that didn’t get entirely addressed on the show. While Fraser’s management style was a struggle for the interior team, Captain Kerry having problems with the way his Chief Stew handled the issues was a bigger red flag. Generally, Fraser’s attitude could continue to be an issue aboard the St. David in Below Deck season 12.
While Fraser has a set of problems of his own that he needs to work on, Kyle was an integral part of the exterior team during his time aboard the St. David in Below Deck season 11. Though Kyle wasn’t promoted to the lead deckhand position when Ben had to choose a successor, he’s a hard worker who was able to keep the team on track from within his role. Kyle’s time aboard the St. David may have been a bit skewed due to his boatmance with Barbie, but the pair’s difficult end seemed like a moment of change for the deckhand.
As Below Deck season 12 gets underway, the cast is in place as the St. David begins its journey through the charter season. Though many seasons of Below Deck have returning cast members, the fact that three of the crewmates from Below Deck season 11 will be joining the next charter is interesting. With Captain Kerry, Fraser, and Kyle all boarding the St. David for another charter season, it will be fascinating to see what the rest of the crew does to change Below Deck’s dynamic.
