Daisy Kelliher’s Flaws Revealed in Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5: Will She Be Fired?

Since joining the cast of Below Deck Sailing Yacht in its second season, Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher has faced numerous challenges. However, her turbulent experience in the current season could jeopardize her position on the show. Taking over from Jenna MacGillivray, Daisy initially demonstrated improved leadership skills, but recent episodes revealed significant flaws that have raised questions about her future as Chief Stew.

In a controversial twist, Gary King, who was recently accused of sexual misconduct by former Bravo employee Samantha Suarez, remains part of the cast despite the allegations. Instead of facing serious consequences, he received minor repercussions with reduced screen time in season 5. This move has sparked speculation that production is attempting to shift the negative focus from Gary to Daisy, as she grapples with mounting tensions involving guests, crew members, and Chef Cloyce Martin. The pressing question remains: can Daisy survive the current charter season?

Daisy Kelliher’s Challenges with Charter Guests

A Hostile Reception

Recent episodes illustrate how Daisy has struggled significantly with her guests. The latest charter featured individuals who were predisposed to voicing complaints, particularly targeting Daisy. As the service unfolded, they criticized the speed and quality of her offerings, which led to a heightened sense of discomfort and self-doubt on Daisy’s part. This situation rapidly escalated, culminating in a less-than-stellar guest experience.

Critiques of Daisy’s cocktail service were particularly harsh, as guests expressed disappointment in the sweetness of the mango martinis and the overall flavor of the drinks. In stark contrast to her, Aesha Scott typically manages to defuse tense scenarios with humor and adaptability, yet Daisy retreated into her own thoughts, struggling to regain control. Despite enjoying Chef Cloyce’s culinary creations, the guests seemed left wanting in the beverage department, and the situation deteriorated to the extent that it could impact the crew’s tips.

Daisy Kelliher’s Distracted Focus on Gary

Impact on Job Performance

Daisy’s preoccupation with her relationship with Gary has hindered her performance as Chief Stew aboard the Parsifal III. Following the firing of Emma Crouch for poor performance, new Deckhand Chase Lemacks joined the crew, complicating the living arrangements. Concerned about the animosity from Diana Cruz and Danni Warren, Daisy opted to room with Gary—her former romantic interest—further blurring professional boundaries.

Gary’s renewed interest in Daisy adds another layer of complexity to the situation. During a recent outing, they shared a drink after Daisy donned a striking emerald dress, yet unresolved issues from their past weigh heavily on her decision to pursue a relationship. To prevent further disruptions on board, Daisy must prioritize her leadership role and garner the respect of her team, which includes Diana and Danni, who at times disregard her orders.

The Question of Daisy’s Future

Why She Remains the Right Choice

Despite her setbacks during this season, firing Daisy may not be the right solution. As the most qualified candidate for the Chief Stew position, her departure would leave a significant gap, especially given the underwhelming performance of Diana and Danni. Daisy needs to adopt a firmer stance with them moving forward, showing that her authority is not contingent on their approval.

Daisy remains a pivotal figure in the Below Deck Sailing Yacht franchise. The showrunners’ attempts to paint her as the villain overlook the bigger picture of her contributions and challenges. If Bravo continues to support Gary’s role on the show, it would be inconsistent to dismiss Daisy based on current tribulations. Captain Glenn Shephard is likely to advocate for her position as well.