Summary
- Ruan Irving has left Below Deck Mediterranean season 8, leaving a vacant position for a new crew member.
- Several previous cast members have the potential to make a comeback, including Ashton Pienaar, Joao Franco, Eddie Lucas, Mzi "Zee" Dempers, Malia White, and Courtney Veale.
- Luka Brunton, who was originally a deckhand on season 8, was promoted to the bosun role, while Storm Smith, who previously served as a deckhand and was promoted to bosun, could also return.
Ruan Irving was the bosun on Below Deck Mediterranean season 8 but left by the end of episode 1, which Captain Sandy Yawn looking for a replacement. The new season of the Bravo series began on September 25, and the premiere episode did not disappoint. It included several fresh faces to the Below Deck franchise as well as some returning ones. Natalya Scudder from Below Deck Med season 7 made her return as the temporary chief stew, while Luka Brunton from Below Deck Down Under season 2 has joined the season as deckhand again.
Kyle Viljoen from Below Deck Med season 7 will be returning as soon as his visa is in order, as well as Tumi Mhlongo from Below Deck Down Under season 1, who will be joining as the chief stew. Now that Ruan is gone as the bosun, a spot has opened for a new person to join the team. However, they could bring back a familiar face like the Below Deck franchise has done before.
8 Ashton Pienaar
Ashton Pienaar from the original Below Deck series has been out of the spotlight for a while but could make a comeback. The last time he was featured in the series was Below Deck season 7, where he made an inappropriate pass at former Chief Stew Kate Chastain and experienced some anger issues. While it seemed, at the time, that Ashton would never return to the franchise, it's possible that he could be given a second chance. Ashton was promoted from deckhand to bosun from Below Deck season 6 to 7 as Captain Lee Rosbach was impressed by him, so Ashton could always make a return with Captain Sandy.
7 Joao Franco
Even though Joao Franco appeared on Below Deck Down Under season 2, he can return for a third season of Below Deck Med. Joao made his Below Deck debut on the Mediterranean series and was promoted from deckhand to bosun for seasons 3 to 4. Sandy and Joao had a great connection while working together, so it wouldn't be surprising if she invited him back on board. However, Joao and Sandy did have a mini-feud going on a couple of years back, but hopefully, that is all water under a bridge.
6 Eddie Lucas
During his several seasons on Below Deck, Eddie Lucas was either very controversial or loved by the viewers. Even though he had a great rapport with Captain Lee, he wasn't always liked by his crew members or the fans. Not only did Eddie have an affair with Raquel “Rocky” Dakota during Below Deck season 3, but he also said a few insensitive things to Rayna Lindsey during Below Deck season 9, which led him to leave the show. However, it's been a couple of years since Eddie has been on the show, and he could be looking to make a third comeback, and this time with Captain Sandy.
5 Mzi "Zee" Dempers
Mzi "Zee" Dempers was a fan favorite during his time on Below Deck Med seasons 6 and 7. He was not only beloved by his crew members, but viewers enjoyed his positive attitude and eagerness to work hard. Zee has said in the past that he would like to be a bosun one day, so this could be his opportunity to move up in the ranks. Captain Sandy loves being a mentor, and she could very well do that for Zee if she decided to bring him on again.
4 Malia White
All Below Deck Med fans know Captain Sandy loves empowering women, so if Malia White joins the Below Deck Med season 8 cast as a bosun again, most of Sandy's department heads will be women-run. Sandy and Malia have always had a good relationship from when she joined the series for Below Deck Med season 2 to her most recent time on Below Deck Med season 6. Even though Malia hasn't always gotten along with crew members, like Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier, she has been a mainstay on the series. Malia would definitely be Sandy's first call, even if it's for a lead deckhand position.
3 Courtney Veale
After two stellar seasons on Below Deck Med seasons 6 and 7, Courtney Veale could very well be an excellent replacement for Ruan. She impressed Sandy as a stew during season 6 and was even more impressed with her as a deckhand in season 7. Sandy clearly enjoyed having Courtney on board, so there could be a chance of her return. Sandy also loves providing women with work opportunities, so having Courtney would be ideal for her.
2 Luka Brunton
Luka is already a cast member on Below Deck Med season 8 as a deckhand and was recently promoted to bosun since Sandy couldn't find a new bosun right away. Since it's likely easier to find a regular deckhand, Captain Sandy decided to promote Luka as the official bosun and simply find a new deckhand for the deck team. Luka proved on Below Deck Down Under that he has what it takes to be a bosun, so it's not shocking he snagged the position. Again, Sandy loves to be a mentor, so promoting Luka and helping him out in his yachting career works out great for both Sandy and Luka.
1 Storm Smith
Viewers met Storm Smith during Below Deck Med season 7 when he joined the boat as a deckhand. However, when it became clear that Bosun Raygan Tyler was not up to yacht standards in terms of her work ethic, Sandy had to let her go and promoted Storm to Bosun. It's very possible that Sandy could call Storm and ask him to do her this favor. Storm not only proved that he was great at his job but that he was a good leader, even if he only came back as a lead deckhand.
Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 pm EST on Bravo.