Daisy Kelliher is opening up about her biggest professional leap yet as she joins season 4 of “Below Deck Down Under.” The longtime Bravo favorite, known for her leadership on “Below Deck Sailing Yacht,” is stepping into a brand-new crew, a new captain, and a whole new dynamic — and she says the shift pushed her in ways she didn’t expect.
From embracing unfamiliar waters to navigating fresh personalities, Kelliher describes season 4 as one that tested her, strengthened her, and ultimately helped her grow as a chief stew.
The ‘Sailing Yacht’ Vet Reflects on Joining Season 4 and Her Fresh Start
Kelliher admitted that switching franchises came with an emotional adjustment.
“It was crazy and it was nerve-wracking,” Kelliher, 36, told Us Weekly at BravoCon 2025. “I loved being on Sailing and I loved Glenn [Shephard]. I knew what I was doing. It felt very comfortable.”
Even so, she said the new challenge made her better.
“So there was a lot of anxiety but it was good anxiety,” she explained. “It wasn’t the bad one. It was a good pressure.”
The jump allowed her to work closely with Captain Jason Chambers, something she described as a highlight.
“I loved working with Jason. I think it’s going to be a great season,” she said. “Honestly, I think we smashed it and I made sure I brought my A-game. And I hope everyone can see that.”
With excitement, however, came intensity.
“I went into the season taking no prisoners,” Kelliher said. “I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want to be taken a fool.”
Daisy Kelliher Says Ben Robinson ‘Challenged’ Her — In All the Right Ways
A major part of that intensity came from her working relationship with Chef Ben Robinson.
“Ben challenged me and he’s not easy to work with,” she admitted. “I think he also respected me. So I think I really evolved as a chief stew and as a person — and it wasn’t easy.”
Kelliher said that embracing conflict was part of her growth this season.
“I don’t like confrontation but I need it,” she explained. “I was so sure about what I wanted to achieve. I was like, ‘I am not letting any crew member get in the way of what I’m trying to do this season.’ We clash and it’s work drama.”
Even with the tension, the two kept things friendly off-duty.
“Now, I was drinking with him at the bar,” she joked.
Season 4 features Chambers at the helm of the motor yacht Katina, with Kelliher, Robinson, and João Franco leading their teams. Fans will also see returning sous chef Alesia Harris and new crew members navigating high-pressure charters — including a franchise-first: a full trip with the cast of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”
A preview shows Chambers setting strict expectations during a pre-charter dinner.
“Yachting runs on leadership, teamwork, and respect,” he says. “There’s no room for chaos out here.”
But chaos, of course, always finds its way into the galley — with Kelliher venting about Robinson, managing crew personalities, and sharing an unexpected kiss with Franco.
