EXCLUSIVE: Below Deck’s new Australian star Izzy Wouters reveals the gruelling five-month casting process behind the hit Bravo series
Bravo’s hit reality series Below Deck has just welcomed two local stars, with Sydneysider Francesca Rubi and Kiwi-Australian Izzy Wouters joining the show’s eighth season.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about the gruelling casting process she underwent to get on the series, Izzy revealed she had to do endless interviews and evaluations for five months before filming started.
‘They were very thorough. They want to make sure that you are actually qualified to work on a boat and that you’re a real yachtie and know what you’re doing,’ she said.
‘They were very thorough’: Below Deck’s new Kiwi-Australian star Izzy Wouters has revealed the lengthy casting process she went through to get on the hit reality series
‘Obviously there were background checks and psych evaluations and all that because you’re sticking a bunch of people on a boat so you want to make sure these people are sane,’ she continued.
‘It was thorough and it was long, but it was very much worth it.’
The stewardess also said that the authenticity of Below Deck appealed to her more than the manufactured nature of some other reality shows.
‘It’s not like you’re these glamorised, fake people on this scripted show,’ she said.
‘Obviously there were background checks and psych evaluations and all that because you’re sticking a bunch of people on a boat so you want to make sure these people are sane,’ she said
‘Everything that happens on the show is real… we’re just real normal people trying to make a living and this is our job,’ she continued.
‘It’s not like we’re Instagram models or anything like that, and that’s what appealed to me about the show.’
Izzy was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia from the age of four.
‘It’s not like you’re these glamorised, fake people on this scripted show’: The stewardess also said that the authenticity of Below Deck appealed to her more than the manufactured nature of some other reality shows
The brunette beauty entered the yachting industry four years ago as a way to travel and see the world.
She joins the season as a stewardess and is described by Bravo as someone who ‘takes her job seriously and hopes to form strong friendships on board’.
Meanwhile, outspoken Francesca will take over for longtime cast member Kate Chastain as Chief Stewardess.
In February, Kate announced that she was leaving the show after six seasons.
Fresh face: Meanwhile, outspoken Sydneysider Francesca Rubi (pictured) will take over for longtime cast member Kate Chastain as Chief Stewardess
The adventurous Francesca started her career in event management working for celebrities.
She then moved into yachting, beginning as a purser before moving onto the role of deckhand and stewardess.
According to her Instagram, Francesca has a huge passion for travel and has been across the globe over the last few years.
Below Deck season 8 is now available on hayu and Foxtel
Tune in! Below Deck Season 8 is now available to stream on hayu and Foxtel