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Who is Joao Franco? 'Below Deck Down Under' star returns as new bosun after spending 6 years on yachts

Joao Franco's addition to the show is expected to bring more drama, considering his past behavior and conflicts

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA: Bravo has introduced a new crew member for 'Below Deck Down Under' Season 2. Following the departure of Luke Jones from the show, Joao Franco has been hired as the new bosun.

Luke was ruled out from the show after his sexually explicit behavior with Margot Sisson.

With the arrival of the new bosun on the deck, fans have high hopes. It is now expected that there will be no more drama with his arrival.

It seems that Joao is not new to the cast of 'Below Deck' Aesha Scott and Joao knew each other before the show. And it seems that they are not exactly on friendly terms.

Who is 'Below Deck Down Under' Season 2's new bosun Joao Franco?

Joao Franco is a Zimbabwe native. He calls himself "Wilf African" on social media. Calling himself "proudly Zimbabwean" Joao claims that he is half Portuguese.

Joao description on Bravo reads, "Joao grew up in Zimbabwe in the midst of political strife and corruption, where surviving became a daily objective." 

"Highly motivated to leave that life behind, Joao got a job doing day work for a boat captain, which began the rapid career trajectory that landed him as this season’s bosun of the Sirocco," claims the description. 

Joao is not new to 'Below Deck' franchise. He has previously been a cast member of 'Below Deck Mediterranean.' He left the show in Season 4 to take up the job as a Captain.

How did Joao Franco start his career?

Joao says in the recently released episode, "I'm looking for more experience from a bigger Captain on a bigger boat." Joao has the ambition to get on the top of his career.

Joao never left his studies. After leaving 'Below Deck Mediterranean' he earned his master's license. 

Joao has 6 years of yachting and 4 years of captaining smaller vessels experience. Indeed, the new bosun is the jack of all trades.

Who is Joao Franco's girlfriend?

Joao was been in a relationship with Michelle Dicu even since 2018. The couple got engaged in March 2020.

Sadly, they had to break their engagement in June 2021 after some issues. 

Joao is now dating Domi Tiesi. He is often seen sharing pictures with his girlfriend on social media.

Domi is one of the cast members of 'Below Deck Med.' The couple met on the show and ever since then, they have been seen traveling and exploring life together.

Why did 'Below Deck's Aesha Scott block Joao Franco on social media?

Aesha Scott knows Joao from 'Below Deck Med.' After Joao's arrival in Season 2, a clip from the previous show was shown that showed the new Bosun commenting on Aesha's outfit.

Cheatsheet reports Aesha claiming in 'Below Deck Med' After Show, "He calls me a Russian prostitute but he also says I remind him of his mum."

Joao was attracted to Aesha and often used to flirt with her. However, the attraction turned into jealousy when "she got a little too outgoing." 

Aesha felt Joao started constantly needling her and being too involved. In order to stop the chaos, Aesha blocked him on social media.

Joao also knows chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph from before. Tzarina says, "He was with one of my best mates and f**ked her over." 

'Below Deck Down Under' Season 2 new episodes release every Monday and Thursday at 8 pm ET on Bravo.