Below Deck’s Daisy Kelliher: ‘This New Season Is Drama, Drama, Drama’

Hair/Makeup: Stephanie Amaro and Styling: Danielle Premone Photography by: Sarah Krick

Dublin’s own Daisy Kelliher is back on our screens – and this time, the Glenageary native is navigating bigger egos, tougher guests and plenty of personal drama in the new season of Below Deck Down Under.

The Irish chief stew has become a fan favourite across the Below Deck universe, and now as she joins an all-star lineup including Captain Jason Chambers, Chef Ben Robinson and João Franco aboard luxury superyacht Katina in the Caribbean, Daisy tells us exactly what viewers can expect from what she promises is the most chaotic season yet.

“This season’s really fun because I think in a lot of seasons you have this slow build-up and then this big drama, and at the end it kind of trickles off and you make up and figure it out,” she says. “This season was a bit different because it’s just really fast-paced. There’s drama, drama, drama. There isn’t one big specific thing, it’s more these really small intricate things. Every episode’s a fresh storyline and you’re just not going to get bored.”

“It was a wild season, but not too heavy either,” she adds.

Below Deck Down Under, via Hayu.com

Of course, it wouldn’t be Below Deck without a little romance – and if this season’s trailer is anything to go by, all eyes are on Daisy and João.

“Oh, I always have regrets,” she laughs when asked about their connection. “I hate any of my romantic situations. They all seem like a great idea at the time. And at the time they are a good idea. It’s fun when you connect with someone. My job is quite heavy and stressful and can feel lonely, so if you have a connection and can be softer and light-hearted, it is fun.”

Still, she may be watching some scenes with her hands over her eyes.

“I usually do have regret. It’s not easy seeing yourself making out in that capacity. But it turns out I just really love a boatman. I need to stop hiding from it and lean into it.”

The season’s biggest moment so far? The franchise-first charter with the cast of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City – which fans have now seen from both perspectives.

According to Daisy, there was still plenty that viewers didn’t get to see.

“Oh, there was so much going on. At one stage Whitney wanted us to make her a nurse uniform, and that was a whole challenge. The whole time she kept asking if it was ready,” she says.

When Angie injured herself onboard, the costume suddenly made weird sense.

Hair/Makeup: Stephanie Amaro and Styling: Danielle Premone Photography by: Sarah Krick

“Whitney got into this nurse uniform that turned out to be quite sexy. It all worked out, like she manifested the situation. Angie was so confused about where it came from. It was very funny. There were lots of little moments like that. It was a full three days, so much content and so little time.”

And if she could pick another Housewives franchise to step onboard?

“I’d say the new London one. I thought they did a brilliant first season. I think they’d be really lovely to us and really nasty to each other, which would be great.”

While the guests bring the drama, tensions among the crew are just as intense – especially between Daisy and Chef Ben.

“It was difficult because in other seasons [the galley] was more my territory, but this was different,” she explains. “He’s an OG, been in the franchise a long time, an experienced chef, older than me, and very successful. It wasn’t easy to show him who’s boss.

“After several seasons and watching myself back, I know what I’m doing. I brought that energy. And actually, Ben respects that. We butted heads, but he always knew it was for the good of the guests.”

The move to a new franchise also gave her a chance to reset.

Hair/Makeup: Stephanie Amaro and Styling: Danielle Premone Photography by: Sarah Krick

“I absolutely loved my time on Sailing Yacht, but a change is as good as a holiday. The timing was perfect. I needed a new challenge. There was pressure to prove myself to new fans, but that was good. I think it helped me have a positive season.”

Off-screen, Daisy has also been quite active, launching her podcast and working on new projects.

“I’ve been very busy. I’ve found a job that doesn’t pay me, but I don’t stop,” she jokes. “Filming Down Under started a really positive year for me. I launched my podcast, Yacht Mess. It’s been really nice to have another project. These things aren’t easy, but it’s a great focus. I also have other projects coming next year.”

With increased scrutiny around reality television, Daisy believes the industry – and audiences – are constantly evolving.

“It’s easy to look back with hindsight. We are evolving as humans, and things acceptable 20 years ago aren’t now,” she says. “In 20 years, current shows will also feel dated. Producers are capturing reality. We choose what we say and do.”

If anything, she believes reality stars have more safeguards now than ever.

“Now they’re maybe protecting us more. But they’re not trying to make us look bad, they’re showing what’s happening.”

You can see exactly what’s happening by tuning into the new season of Below Deck Down Under, with new episodes dropping on Hayu every Tuesday.