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In the ongoing drama of Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, chef Jonathan Shillingford faced a surprising revelation when Captain Sandy Yawn revealed she had a "backup chef" on standby, ready to replace him if needed. This unexpected turn of events was disclosed to Jonathan simultaneously as viewers, leaving him to process the news alongside the audience.
Despite this revelation, Jonathan remains confident that he gave the job his all. He expressed his unwavering commitment to his role and respect for the captain, even in the face of criticism.
"I gave it my all regardless of if she had a standby chef or not. If I knew that information, I was working hard anyway. I don't know if I would've pulled deeper. I think I was already pulling deep."
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Jonathan's thoughts on Captain Sandy's backup plan in Below Deck Mediterranean
Jonathan was surprised to learn how soon he would be replaced as the captain told them of her contingency plan. Through Below Deck Mediterranean, he found out another chef was waiting in the wings to replace him if he doesn't perform according to expectations. Jonathan put his feelings on this into words in an exclusive interview.
"How would anyone feel if someone was seemingly trying to get rid of you?"
He also found it hard to believe because the captain did not tell him about it during the filming.
Jonathan, though taken aback, tried to remain composed and professional. He expressed that he held the experience of working under Captain Sandy with the highest regard, stating that it was an honor working with Captain Sandy.
He also pointed out that he felt the need to work with a female in command, being brought up by a strong family of women who were all titans in their chosen fields. He stated that his respect for her leadership was in place until he realized she had different plans for the future.
The challenges faced on Below Deck Mediterranean
Jonathan's first day on Below Deck Mediterranean was challenging. During the season's first charter, he refused to make late-night snacks when asked, leading to a tense interaction with stew Ellie Dubaich. The situation escalated, prompting Captain Sandy to intervene and insist Jonathan rest for the next day's meals. However, his difficulties continued throughout the season of Below Deck Mediterranean.
During a later charter, guests were reportedly unhappy with the food prepared by Jonathan. This feedback prompted Captain Sandy to consider bringing in additional help, ultimately deciding to have a standby chef on board. Off-screen, Captain Sandy appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, where she seemed to imply that Jonathan's cooking wasn't meeting expectations.
Jonathan's loyalty, devotion, and reflections on the second charter
Despite the hostile setting and peering eyes on him, Jonathan said he tried to stay true to his role as a chef. He insisted he gave his best shot whether Captain Sandy already had a chef in mind. He emphasized his winter-profession mantra, saying,
"I came, I saw, I conquered, whether she had a backup chef or not."
Jonathan also replied to all the negative comments made by his crewmates, including Chief Stew Aesha Scott. He accepted that everybody has opinions and did not take the feedback to heart. Jonathan remarked,
"People say how they feel. I can never judge people's reactions and say it's too much. If that's how you felt, then that's how you feel,"
According to Jonathan, one of the biggest struggles he faced thus far was during the second charter of this season in Below Deck Mediterranean. He said it was "particularly challenging" and that it had been the most difficult charter he had ever done. Jonathan felt pressure with only a short time to impress, and he wished he could have done more to meet the demands of the guests.
"My mission, in any charter, is to make sure the guests are happiest they can be because they weren't. I have said that I regret I could not deliver for them."
Season 9 of Below Deck Mediterranean on Bravo airs Monday at 9 pm ET, and new episodes are available the next day on Peacock.
