EXCLUSIVE: Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach reveals why former chief stewardess Francesca Rubi left the show after only one season

Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach has opened up about Francesca Rubi's exit from the series.

Francesca appeared on season eight of Below Deck as a replacement for longtime chief stewardess Kate Chastain, but she wasn't asked back for season nine.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Captain Lee admitted that he was fond of the Australian stewardess and was disappointed to see her go.

 

 
REVEALED: Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach has opened up about Francesca Rubi's exit from the series in an interview with Daily Mail Australia  
'Chess had a really tough road to go down because it was the first season without Kate and expectations were so high,' he said.

'She really, really did a good job I thought and it wasn't as well received as I thought it might be,' he continued. 

'Were there some things I would've done differently? Absolutely ... but that's all hindsight, that's 20/20.'

 

 
Reception: Captain Lee admitted that he was fond of the Australian stewardess but admitted that the reception from viewers wasn't as good as he was expecting it to be 

Below Deck returns for a new season
Although Francesca wasn't asked back this season, one cast member who did return was fan favourite chef Rachel Hargrove. 

'Rachel is about as honest as it gets,' Lee said. 'I've worked with her closely and when push comes to shove she's in the galley, regardless of what she has to work with, she delivers.

'Rachel is unequivocally one of the best chefs I've ever worked with, in terms of talent, knowledge, and just if she's there, she's not gonna let you down.'

 

 
Big shoes to fill! 'Chess had a really tough road to go because it was the first season without Kate [Chastain] and expectations were so high,' Lee said
He also said that he hopes to see Rachel return for even more seasons of the hit show.

Meanwhile, Francesca was replaced by 25-year-old Heather Chase this season.

Since her Below Deck exit, Francesca has started working as a Pilates instructor in Sydney.

Season nine of Below Deck is currently available to stream on hayu.

 
Tune in! Francesca was replaced by Heather Chase (pictured). Season nine of Below Deck is currently available to stream on hayu