Since his appearance on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, Chef Johnathan “Jono” Shillingford has been a controversial figure due to his extravagant personality, culinary skills, and confidence, leaving many wondering what he has been up to after the season concluded. Johnathan, a self-trained chef from Roseau, Dominica, joined Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 and started his job on the line, becoming one of the most contentious figures in the series. His constant failure to fulfill his duties and adhere to the preference sheet dissatisfied his teammates and guests.
Chef Johnathan made too many mistakes while performing his duties on the yacht. In one of the episodes, Johnathan cooked eggs that were too cold during breakfast, leaving the guests disappointed. Captain Sandy Yawn said Johnathan’s decision was a “red flag” since Johnathan had served the charter guests lackluster food the previous night. In another incident, Johnathan served cookie cream instead of crème brûlée. Despite not performing his duties well, Johnathan wasn’t fired. This led to speculation that Johnathan could have been a producer plant to stir up drama on the show.
Chef Johnathan Still Works As A Yacht Chef
He’s A Self-Taught Chef
Chef Johnathan isn’t a newbie in the yachting industry. He has been in it for over seven years. As the new chef, he brought his experience onboard the motor yacht Mustique, giving some of season 9’s most memorable moments. Despite having a background in architecture, Johnathan is still working as a professional cook. His Instagram profile bio states that he’s a private yacht chef, a badge he wears with honor. Johnathan has been sharing wholesome content on his Instagram page, where he posts videos of what he’s making for the guests and shows what he shops depending on dietary restrictions.
Chef Johnathan’s Journey On Below Deck Mediterranean
Chef Johnathan Didn’t Have The Best Reputation
When Chef Jono was announced as a new cast member joining Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, it looked like a redemption time for the show. Johnathan seemed to be bringing his cooking skills onboard, twerking abilities, and singing prowess, making him an exciting addition. However, Johnathan’s food was terrible, and he didn’t know how to talk to the guests professionally.
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During Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, episode 4, captain Sandy invited Gigi Fernandez, a 17-time grand slam double title champion, for the best fine dining experience. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as expected, thanks to Johnathan’s lack of culinary prowess. Gigi complained about his services, and Johnathan did nothing to redeem himself. At one point, the grand slam winner asked Johnathan what the gazpacho appetizer was. The Below Deck Mediterranean reality star said he’d googled and figured it was “someone’s grandma recipe,” which infuriated Captain Sandy.
“When a client asks, ‘what’s your recipe?’ Maybe in the future don’t say ‘some grandma’s recipe?’ Just say it’s a secret recipe. You don’t want them to know you Googled it and it’s someone else.'”
Johnathan struggled throughout the season, and his attitude made everything about him questionable. It was surprising Johnathan stayed until the end of the season since there were many signs he would be replaced. Johnathan was an average Below Deck chef with a good personality and at least he didn’t throw tantrums and took criticism well. While speaking to US Weekly about his experience, he said it was an “honor” working with Captain Sandy.
Will Chef Johnathan Ever Return To Below Deck Mediterranean?
There Is A Possibility He’ll Be Back
Despite facing criticism from the character guests, there is a likelihood Chef Johnathan will be back on the Below Deck franchise. Johnathan took to his Instagram to reminisce about his once-in-a-lifetime experience, sharing a video recapping the moments. In a lengthy caption, chef Johnathan thanked the crew and cast members for giving him the best moments of his career, adding he felt like he had made:
“Life-long yachtie friends in each of the crew! What a dream team!”
Furthermore, Johnathan reflected on his growth, comparing himself to diamonds that “form under pressure.” In the same post, the Below Deck Mediterranean cast member teased it wouldn’t be the last time people would see or hear of him on the series. That shows Johnathan may be back, although it’s still unclear whether it will be Below Deck Mediterranean or a different series from the franchise.
Chef Johnathan deserves a second chance. A comeback in a different season would help him showcase his skills well without his colleagues and guests questioning his character and abilities. He seems to have taken all the positives through season 9 and is willing to work on them should he work on a smaller or bigger project.
Although he might have been ranked as one of the worst crew members this season, he’s still not as bad as Kyle Viljoen from seasons 7 and 8. Kyle caused chaos and division among the crew members. He befriended some and pretended to be their friend while still talking smack behind their backs. Perhaps in his next appearance on Below Deck Mediterranean or whichever spin-offs he’ll join, Chef Johnathan will carry on some lessons from season 9.
Below Deck Mediterranean
seasons 1-9 are available to stream on Peacock.
Sources: Johnathan Shillingford/Instagram, US Weekly, Johnathan Shillingford/Instagram