‘Below Deck Down Under’ Star Ellie Dubaich Reveals What Chef Ben Robinson’s Mysterious DM Said To Her

Elena “Ellie” Dubaich is reinventing herself on Below Deck Down Under Season 4. Originally called in to work under Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher‘s command, Dubiach was asked to pivot to a new position as Galley Hand when the working relationship between Chef Ben Robinson and his OG sous chef Alesia Harris imploded. Luckily for Captain Jason Chambers, Dubiach was willing to do anything to help the crew of the M/Y Katina get through the charter season. “People thought I was all about rank and that I was on a power trip,” said Dubiach, referencing her previous stint on Below Deck Mediterranean. “That’s just not true. I just want to do a good job. Whatever the task is, I’ll do it.”

Dubaich and Robinson hit it off pretty much right away, much to the surprise of the crew. Dubaich first started by finding out what went wrong between Robinson and Harris so she could avoid the same problems. “It sounded like it was a personality clash,” said Dubaich. However, she quickly found out the root of Robinson’s issue with his former sous chef. “The thing he said that bothered him the most about Alesia was the fact that she would never ask him questions to confirm or clarify instructions,” said Dubaich.

It was important for Dubiach to show audiences and herself how much she has grown over the past couple of years. “I have come so far as a person,” said Dubaich. “It was actually really nice to put myself to the test again.” Because of her experience in the galley, Dubaich went to culinary school to learn more about cuisine. “I’m trained in fine dining now, and I’m currently saving up to go back and specialize in pastry,” said Dubaich. “All that would not be happening if I hadn’t taken on this job.”

Dubaich spoke to Decider over Zoom to talk about coming on the charter season and stepping into an unfamiliar role and to tease her upcoming clash with Robinson.

DECIDER: Ellie, what made you want to come back for more Below Deck? Were you hesitant at all or did the fact that it was a different show in the franchise appeal to you ?

ELENA “ELLIE” DUBAICH: I did not have time to think. I was on the treadmill trying to get my steps in. It was 7PM. I got the call. They were’re like: “Hey, what are you doing? Can you pack your bags and fly tomorrow? The season started. This girl left. We need you ASAP.” I nearly fell off the treadmill. I was like: “Hold on a goddamn minute. What’s happening?” They explained the whole situation to me. I was like: “You know what? Let’s go.” I was very excited to have a chance.

How did your experience on Below Deck Down Under differ from your time on Below Deck Med?

There is no comparison. Obviously, the different position was a big part of that. I had learned so much from my time on Below Deck Med. I have come so far as a person. It was nice to put myself to the test again and prove to myself that I have grown. I was excited to see a different side of you without the Joe Bradley of it all. I was so glad I would be able to show people who I am as a person outside of a freaking love triangle with Joe [Bradley] and Bri {Mueller]. I’m not a toxic, negative person. I am glad that more of my fun side is being shown this season.

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How did working for Captain Jason differ from working for Captain Sandy Yawn?

Captain Sandy and Captain Jason are very similar in terms of being supportive. If you want to talk to them, they’ are there for you. They want to hear you out and give you advice. I’ve noticed with Captain Jason this season that while he did step in several times to help us out, he never guilt tripped us. He essentially said: “Hey, I helped you. We’re a team, but also let’s not do that again.” He was always positive and encouraging.

You had to pivot very quickly from stew to galley hand when you joined the Katina. I imagine that threw you a little bit…

The big misconception about me from my last season on the show is that people thought I was all about rank and on a power trip. That’s just not true. I just want to do a good job. Whatever task it is, I’ll do it. I’ll be a team player. You need a dishwasher? I’m going to be the best dishwasher. If you need me to organize the ship, I want to be the best organizer I can be. I wanted to pull my weight in whichever way I can.

Chef Ben admits that he slid into your DMs before the season begin. Do you remember what his DM said?

Oh, he was just asking if I would like to join him for dinner. We had already met previously at a party and he reached out.