Relationship Timeline of Ben Willoughby and Sunny Marquis on Below Deck

Below Deck has captivated audiences with its enthralling yacht adventures and the complicated personal dynamics among crew members. One of the most intriguing pairings to emerge from this reality series was the relationship between Ben Willoughby and Marie “Sunny” Marquis. The question on many viewers’ minds is: What ultimately unfolded in their relationship after the show’s filming? During Ben’s debut on Below Deck Season 10, his charm and flirtatious nature raised eyebrows, especially concerning how his romantic inclinations interfered with his professional responsibilities. Initially, he had his sights set on crew member Camille Lamb, embroiling himself in a ‘boatmance’ that ultimately wore out its welcome with fans.

Upon returning for Season 11, Ben’s approach remained similar, as he developed an attraction towards Sunny, who hesitated to dive into another yacht romance. Despite this initial uncertainty, their chemistry blossomed, captivating viewers as they navigated their evolving relationship amid various challenges. The intriguing journey of Ben and Sunny’s romance unfolded not just on screen, but also in the real world following their time on the charter.

Ben & Sunny: A Meeting on Below Deck Season 11

A Quick Bond Forms

Montage of Ben Willoughby & Sunny Marquis from Below Deck Season 11 — Custom image by César García

Ben and Sunny entered Below Deck Season 11 with distinctly different backgrounds, yet their shared responsibilities aboard the yacht facilitated a swift connection. As the season progressed, Ben, elevated to the role of Bosun, recognized Sunny’s skills, promoting her to Lead Deckhand despite some raised eyebrows from fellow crew members. Initially, their relationship was more of professional camaraderie, but the playful banter and flirtations gradually transformed into deeper emotional ties.

Ben & Sunny: Romance Amidst Work

Navigating a Rocky Romance Aboard St. David

As their connection evolved from merely professional to intimate, Ben and Sunny’s romance aboard St. David was anything but straightforward. Their relationship was marked by highs and lows, with frequent outings and interactions fueled by alcohol adding complications. Despite Ben’s hope for a more casual dynamic, he found himself grappling with deeper feelings, especially as he shared a bed with Sunny while maintaining that he wasn’t seeking a serious commitment.

This “will they, won’t they”dynamic characterized their time together, as they tried to master casual hookups while simultaneously navigating their entangled emotions. Miscommunication ran rampant, particularly with Ben’s lingering interest in his ex, Camille, creating further tension. It became clear that their different expectations would ultimately challenge their budding romance.

Ben & Sunny: A Relationship Beyond the Show

Secretly Together After the Show

After concluding their time on Below Deck, Ben and Sunny’s relationship took a more serious turn. During their final moments on the charter, they indicated a desire to explore a romantic connection outside of the yacht. However, doubts lingered as they transitioned into the “real world,”particularly concerning Ben’s flirtatious behavior that often left Sunny unsettled. Meanwhile, Sunny’s unpredictable mood swings posed challenges for Ben to navigate, especially during social outings.

Once the season wrapped, both Ben and Sunny revealed that their off-screen relationship had blossomed into something substantial. They disclosed details of their romance, which included travel across different countries and spending significant holidays with Ben’s family in Australia and Sunny’s hometown in Canada. They joyfully shared glimpses of their life together, illustrating the deepening bond they had cultivated away from the show’s limelight.

Ben & Sunny: An Unexpected Split

New Developments: Ben’s Public Appearances

Ben Willoughby with crew behind him from Below Deck Season 11 — Custom image by César García

Despite the earlier declarations of commitment, signs of discord began to surface toward the end of 2024. As they refrained from posting pictures of each other on social media, rumors about a split began to circulate. Ben took a significant step by removing most of their shared moments from his profile, which fueled speculation regarding their relationship status.

The situation became more evident when Ben was spotted alongside Danni Warren from Below Deck Sailing Yacht. His Instagram post hinted at personal struggles, indirectly pointing toward his breakup with Sunny. Ben expressed the need for privacy as he grappled with the recent turns in his life, bringing their romantic chapter to a close before the holiday season.

Source: Sunny Marquis/Instagram

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