Chef Ben is back!
On April 11, Bravo posted on Instagram, showing a “Below Deck Down Under” crossover with “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” And in the photo was “Below Deck” fan-favorite Ben Robinson.
Robinson confirmed his return to the hit show on his Instagram shortly after.
“Fresh as a Daisy and ready for this challenge! Wish me luck because I’ll probably need it. Cheers! #BelowDeckDownUnder #BelowDeck #BravoTV #Yachting #NeedAllTheLuckICanGet #Cheers #ChefBen,” Robinson wrote.
Chef Ben Says He’s Ready for His ‘Below Deck’ Comeback
Robinson first appeared in “Below Deck” Season 1 and returned for Season 2. He then was called on to replace Leon Walker, who left mid-charter, in Season 3, and was back for the entirety of Season 4. Robinson then moved to “Below Deck Mediterranean” for all of Season 1 along with part of Season 4.
Following his time on “Below Deck Mediterranean,” he disappeared from the series.
In a 2020 interview with Mirror, Robinson admitted that the entire experience certainly took it’s toll on his body.
“When I got off the first season, I said that felt like a year. I got three hours sleep a night. I didn’t get a break, I just worked all the time,” he said.
“I would be cooking for guests until 6 a.m. after a night out, then another guest would want breakfast at 7 a.m. My position is isolated,” he continued. “I just had no outlet, and you were on camera all the time. It’s nuts. Six weeks is a long time to be watched. It’s like you’re mentally in jail. It’s tough, you’ve got to be really hardcore.”
However, at Bravo Fan Fest in Miami in 2024, Robinson admitted that he’s ready to return.
“I’d have to be invited first, I think,” Robinson said. “And as long as there’s a short season, I would definitely consider it. I would. I’m ready. I’ve recovered.”
So, it appears he was asked and he agreed.
Fans React to Chef Ben’s Return
Fans were rushing to social media after it was confirmed that Robinson was going to be returning to Bravo’s series.
“You’re my all-time favorite chef! So glad you’re back and with Captain Jason!!,” one fan commented on Robinson’s post.
“I’m so glad you’re back. I don’t know how much more I could take of some of these other chefs. I’m excited for the next season,” another fan wrote.
Below Deck needs you!,” a fan stated.
“OMFGGGG THE GOAT IS BACK,” someone posted.