Gael Cameron and Nathan Gallagher’s relationship blossomed on-screen in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but were they planted on the show to create drama? The two met during the first episode of the season as part of Iain Maclean’s deck team. Neither Gael nor Nathan appeared in the franchise before their introduction in Below Deck Med season 9, and they surely bonded from the unique experience. The duo had an instant connection that went beyond a platonic friendship. However, viewers were shocked to learn Gael was in a relationship with another man at home.

Despite her non-single status, Gael and Nathan’s bond grew as the charter season persisted. As the lesser ranking deckhands below Iain and lead deckhand Joe Bradley, they pulled their weight on deck swimmingly. Gael and Nathan found themselves picking up the slack of their leaders at times and naturally gravitated toward one another. In a shocking turn of events, Gael and her boyfriend broke things off, which opened the door for her to pursue a boatmance with her fellow deckhand. However, elements of their relationship came off as manufactured and raised questions about the fidelity of their bond.

Gael & Nathan’s Relationship Seems Staged

They Have A Connection, But Some Moments Felt Off

Gael and Nathan have a real connection, but elements of their relationship seem staged for reality TV purposes. During the beginning half of season 9, the show teased her breakup that would make way for her boatmance onboard the Mustique. While Gael was in a relationship, they asked her and Nathan questions about each other in their confessionals, further pushing the narrative of their connection. They had a genuine spark, but there’s no denying that it was pushed for storyline purposes while she was still dating her ex-boyfriend.

Gael’s Former Relationship Ended Abruptly

Her Ex Coincidentally Broke Up With Her When She Was Out With The Crew

At the beginning of the charter season, Gael revealed she wasn’t on steady ground in her relationship. Her ex had concerns about her working on deck, with Gael revealing he expected her to take time away from her job to communicate with him throughout the day. In a clip from the Below Deck Med After Show on Bravo’s YouTube, she admitted they broke up when she took the job to work on the Mustique, but he changed his mind at the last minute and said they could “make it work.”

“Coming on this boat and realizing that he couldn’t hold it out for two weeks, let alone six … I was like, ‘Please just hold out for me. Please be patient with me. Please understand that I can’t be on my phone all the time.’”

Gael grew frustrated with him because he knew how demanding her job was, as they’d worked as deckhands together before. After a few weeks of miscommunication, he broke up with her while she was out for dinner with the crew. Gael felt unsupported by her ex-boyfriend on Below Deck Med and found the encouragement he failed to give her in Nathan. However, they broke things off rather abruptly. Their split was a long time coming, but it felt ironic that he randomly chose to break up with her while she was at dinner with the season 9 crew.

Gael & Nathan’s Date Was For Entertainment Purposes

They Randomly Left Work Early For The Date

In one of the most random moments of Below Deck Med season 9, Gael and Nathan broke away from the crew during a workday to go on their first date. It was endearing to watch him plan out the day and ask Captain Sandy Yawn for permission to leave the Mustique to spend time away from the crew. However, production may have given Nathan the idea of taking Gael on a date. They went on an indoor rock climbing excursion that was enticing to watch but totally out of the ordinary for the show.

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They typically showcase the Below Deck Med crews’ day-to-day lives working on the superyachts. After most charter trips, they go out, and on occasion, they receive a day off and spend time together as a group. It was odd that Captain Sandy allotted time from the crew’s schedule for Gael and Nathan to go on a date. However, that wouldn’t be strange if the producers felt it was a crucial moment for the season. Gael and Nathan shared a sweet moment that viewers, unfortunately, could tell it was manufactured.

Gael and Nathan have a strong boatmance on Below Deck Mediterranean, but elements of their romance may have been staged for the sake of the show. They had a real bond and have been able to lean on one another through the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to film the series. However, producers likely had a hand in Gael and Nathan’s relationship.

Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT