Daisy Kelliher is setting the record straight about her relationship status following the season 4 finale of “Below Deck Down Under.”
The chief stew and second officer João Franco appeared to leave the yacht with hopes of exploring a romance off-camera after spending much of the season growing closer. However, the Bravo staple recently revealed that their relationship never progressed after filming ended.
In an interview with BravoTV.com, Daisy described herself as “single” and confirmed that nothing developed between the pair once they left M/Y Katina.
“Nothing happened between us,” Daisy shared via email when asked about her dating life with João after filming wrapped.
She added, “We’re fine—[we] don’t really stand anywhere.”
The update comes just days after viewers watched the pair discuss a possible future together during the June 1 season finale.
Daisy Kelliher and João Franco Expressed Hope During Season 4 Finale
Throughout season 4, Daisy and João developed a close connection that eventually turned romantic.
By the finale, both crew members appeared optimistic about what might happen after charter season ended.
“I’m not used to dating guys that are so nice to me,” Daisy told producers during the episode. “And now that I’ve finished the season, it feels like I can invest more energy into him.”
She also expressed interest in seeing whether their connection could continue away from the yacht.
“I’m willing to see if the chemistry keeps building. But the next phase is going for dinner. Baby steps,” she said.
João shared a similar outlook.
“I’ve only known Daisy for a short time, but I feel very privileged to have her trust me with her emotions,” he told producers.
“Can I see something more than casual? The quick answer is yes. I wanna see where this goes.”
Although the relationship ultimately did not continue after filming, Daisy later spoke positively about their time working together.
During a November 2025 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” she said, “We have a great relationship. I loved our season. And we worked well as a team.”
The ‘Below Deck’ Fan Favorite Reflects on Her Boatmance With João Franco
Daisy discussed her relationship with João in greater detail on the “Below Deck Down Under” After Show.
She explained that the connection provided a welcome distraction from the pressures of charter season.
“Genuinely, it is a nice reprieve from all of the other chaos,” Daisy said.
“And it’s the same every year. Like, Keith was that for me. Colin was that for me. So to be able to have someone that I can—for lack of a better word—be softer with and not have to be my hard ass? It was nice.”
Daisy also acknowledged that previous relationships within the franchise made her more guarded.
“I do wear, like, a very big armor. I don’t like to show people vulnerability. I don’t like to show softness, even though I’m actually a very soft person,” she admitted.
“I think over the years I have built up this massive defense.”
For João, the connection became more meaningful as the season progressed.
“I feel like it could have been, you know, a fling. And with her, it would be more of a respectful thing,” he explained.
He later admitted he developed stronger feelings than he initially expected.
“There is an emotional component to cuddling Daisy…it’s a comfort,” João said.
“When I look back now, I realize there was more of the chemistry than I thought there was.”
Daisy Kelliher Shares Updates on Other Season 4 Cast Relationships
While her romance with João did not continue after filming, Daisy provided updates on several of her season 4 castmates.
Her relationship with Elena “Ellie” Dubaich remains distant following tensions that developed during the season.
“I haven’t spoken to Ellie,” Daisy told BravoTV.com. “There’s no bad or good terms.”
Daisy also addressed her often-contentious working relationship with chef Ben Robinson.
“Ben and I are fine,” she said. “I never had an issue with Ben.”
She revealed that former deck/stew Mike Durrant reached out after filming concluded.
“He got in touch with me to apologize to me,” Daisy shared.
The chief stew added that she remains in regular contact with stew Jenna Woudberg.
