Lara Rigby from Lara standing out as the new chief stewardess replacing Aesha Scott.
Aesha Scott has been the face of Below Deck Down Under for the past two seasons. Viewers were surprised to see her Below Deck Mediterranean in 2024, leading to speculation about whether she would reunite with Captain Jason Chambers again. However, the release of the season 3 trailer confirms Aesha will not be part of the crew. Instead, Lara has taken her place and will oversee the team of stews as they sail across Africa. Lara, a British woman, brings 14 years of experience in the yachting industry to the table.
Lara Has A Kate Chastain Vibe
Lara's Actions Have Already Garnered The Attention Of Fans
There are several reasons why Lara appears just as intriguing as Aesha, if not more so. She has a unique appearance and a confident personality, which makes her reminiscent of Kate Chastain, a former Below Deck cast member.

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In the sneak peek of Below Deck Down Under season 3, Lara appears to have high expectations for her crew. One scene in the trailer shows her instructing her stew team to be "perfect." She demands that they "iron the creases, polish the cutlery," and leave "no fingerprints on the table," displaying complete dominance as the chief stew.
Chief Stew Lara already appears to be a lot like Kate, who had a similar management style. Kate became one of the most iconic Below Deck chief stews by appearing on the show for several years. She debuted in Below Deck season 2 and remained part of the franchise until season 7. Kate impressed viewers with her excellent yet fierce management style, which contributed to her current popularity. Lara possesses the same qualities as Kate, so it'll be interesting to see how she manages the crew and interacts with Captain Jason.
Lara Isn't Afraid To Speak Out
Lara Doesn't Mince Her Words
In the preview of Below Deck Down Under season 3, Lara appears to be quite bossy. She comes across as dominant and not afraid to speak her mind.
One scene in the trailer shows Lara pointing out a mistake by her crew, saying (via Below Deck Bravo), "I want the glass without a spot, don't pour too much, it's not great, do it again." While Lara seems to have a fun-loving personality, she also appears to be quite serious. The trailer shows the new chief stew is able to adapt to different situations and be professional when necessary.
Lara Causing Drama Could Help The Show
Lara's Bossiness May Add A Spicy Twist To The Drama
Lara's personality makes her a great fit for Below Deck Down Under season 3. She was born on September 11, which makes her a Virgo. While Virgos aren't typically dramatic, they are analytical and despise chaos. Given that Below Deck shows can be chaotic, the new season would surely test Lara's limits. The demanding charter guests and conflicts among crew could push her to her breaking point, potentially making her one of the most memorable cast of the season. The sneak peek of the season already portrays Lara as more outspoken and expressive than Aesha.
It'll be entertaining to see Lara interact with some of the new crew . At the same time, it'll also be interesting to watch her form a bond with Captain Jason. Aesha and Captain Jason were compatible, as they managed to complete the hardest of tasks together. It'll be fun to see if Lara can do the same and what kind of relationship she builds with Captain Jason. Viewers may also enjoy Lara interacting with returning cast member Chef Tzarina because of their distinct personalities. So far, Lara seems like a great addition to Below Deck Down Under season 3.
Lara Rigby |
Below Deck Down Under |
---|---|
Astrological Sign |
Virgo |
Job |
Chief Stew |
Hometown |
Cornwall, UK |
Below Deck Down Under premieres on Monday, February 3 on Bravo.
Source: Bravo/YouTube, Below Deck Bravo/Instagram

Below Deck Down Under is a reality television series that follows the crew of a luxury yacht navigating the waters of Australia. Set against the backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, the show highlights the challenges and dramas of managing high-end, on-the-water hospitality while balancing personal dynamics among the crew .
- Main Genre
- Reality
- Seasons
- 3
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