We Have a Major Update on Captain Lee Rosbach and Kate Chastain's Friendship

For the first time in six seasons, Captain Lee Rosbach will not be working with Kate Chastain on Below Deck. The chief stew announced that she would be stepping away from the series following Part 2 of the Below Deck Season 7 reunion in February.

Of course, Kate's departure from Below Deck is more than just a personnel change for Captain Lee, who has formed a close friendship with the chief stew over the years. When one fan recently commented on Twitter that they will "miss this duo" of Captain Lee and Kate "so much," the Below Deck boss responded, "Not as much as I will."

The fan then showed their admiration for the close bond that Captain Lee and Kate have built. "That is so sweet," the fan tweeted. "It’s clear you both share a mutual respect and real friendship, not easy to find."

Captain Lee added in response, "And so difficult to replace, if possible."

Kate congratulated Captain Lee on the new season of Below Deck following the announcement of its premiere date, cast, and trailer earlier this month. However, she did admit that not being a part of the new season "does feel like seeing my ex" during a recent interview with Decider. "But of course I’m excited to see the new season. I only wish the best," she said. "I can’t wait to see how Captain Lee handled it in my absence. I need to know who brought him his Cheerios and how his pants were ironed.”

Francesca Rubi will be stepping in as the new chief stew in Season 8 of Below Deck. Eddie Lucas will also be back as bosun for the first time since Season 3. They will be joined by chef Rachel Hargrove, stews Elizabeth Frankini and Isabelle "Izzy" Wouters, and deckhands James Hough and Shane Coopersmith.

Want more Below Deck? Catch up on the entire series through the Bravo app.