The Below Deck universe just got a major crossover jolt in Season 4 Episode 3 of Below Deck Down Under, as Elena “Ellie” Dubaich — the polarizing stew from Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 7 and 9 — stepped aboard M/Y Katina.

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But this wasn’t the interior role Captain Jason Chambers originally planned. In a last-minute pivot that stunned Chef Ben Robinson, Ellie traded her stew apron for a galley position as sous chef, setting the stage for immediate sparks, awkward history, and brewing tension — especially with Ben and his close ally, Jenna.

Ellie, hailing from Škofja Loka, Slovenia, first entered the franchise in Below Deck Med Season 7 for a brief two-episode stint as a replacement stew.

She returned full-time in Season 9 aboard Mustique, where her ambitious drive, confidence, and clashes with Chief Stew Aesha Scott made her a fan-favorite villain for some and a divisive figure for others.

Known for her “MVP energy,” personal training background, yoga expertise, and post-show pivot to superyacht massage therapy (plus a stunning fitness transformation and Miami Swim Week runway appearance), Ellie has built a strong social media presence (@thebalkanbiscuit) showcasing her multifaceted yachtie life.

Captain Jason initially hired Ellie to fill the interior vacancy left by Jo Caron’s early departure, aiming to bolster Daisy’s team. But with Alesia Harris’ ongoing galley frustrations peaking — leading to her bold department switch to stewardess — Jason rerouted Ellie to the kitchen.

Ellie learned of the change at the airport during her connecting flight. “I found out at the airport I was gonna work in the galley,” she shared on the Below Deck Down Under After Show. Undeterred, she embraced the challenge: “I’m good to go.”

The arrival hit Ben like a rogue wave. Just two weeks prior, the newly single chef had slid into Ellie’s DMs after spotting her Instagram thirst traps, casually suggesting drinks. Now, manifestation turned reality: “I wrote to her two weeks ago… And now she’s my f—king sous chef.

S—t, the powers of manifestation,” Ben quipped in confessional, half-amused, half-stunned. Their reunion included a big hug and Ellie’s enthusiastic pledge to help, but the After Show revelations hinted at off-camera awkwardness and unresolved vibes.

Adding fuel to the fire is Jenna, who’s grown close to Ben amid his emotional vulnerabilities (including his recent heartbreak from a called-off engagement).

Ellie’s confident, no-nonsense style — forged through Med‘s high-drama charters — could clash with the existing galley dynamic and threaten budding alliances. Captain Jason even pulled her aside with a warning about Ben’s intensity, underscoring the potential for fireworks.

Fans are buzzing over this franchise-first crossover shake-up. Ellie’s history of bold personality (and past labels like “villain” or “delusional” from Med critics) promises escalated drama, whether through professional clashes, personal tension, or romantic complications.

As the next charter looms, her presence reshapes the crew: bolstering the galley post-Alesia, testing Ben’s leadership, and potentially stirring jealousy or rivalry with Jenna.

Ellie Dubaich’s shocking return isn’t just a staffing fix — it’s a recipe for chaos in Below Deck Down Under Season 4. With her “MVP energy” now in the hot kitchen, viewers can expect the tension to boil over fast.