longstanding relationship with Chef Ben. While the pair appeared together for three seasons, Below Deck viewers know that Kate and Ben’s relationship outside the show was far more interesting than what happened during their charter seasons together. While the pair has never actually confirmed a hookup, there's been a lot of speculation about their romantic history.

Below Deck alum Kate Chastain joked about her child's paternity in response to Ben Robinson ending his engagement.

In a recent Instagram post, Ben shared that he’d been offline for quite a while dealing with some personal issues. Sharing that he and former fiancée Kiara Cabral have chosen to end their relationship, Ben’s post looked to the future. While Ben’s post was somber, Kate took the time to comment on his announcement with a joke about her child’s paternity, which she has chosen to keep private. Below Deck fans often joke that Ben is the father of Kate’s child, and she deftly commented, “Maybe I should screen your next partner for you. Being a stepmom isn’t easy.”

What Kate Chastain’s Response To Ben’s Breakup Means

She’s Always Been The Most Humorous Below Deck Alum

Throughout Below Deck’s history, Kate and Ben’s relationship has always been at the center of much speculation, even if they weren’t on the series together. The pair has always been known for making flirty comments to one another, fighting in a joking, flirtatious way, and getting jealous of the other’s romantic interactions. Kate and Ben fostered the rumors about their relationship, seemingly getting a kick out of the reaction to their theoretical Below Deck boatmance-turned-romance. While it’s been confirmed that the pair has had an intimate relationship off-camera, both have stressed that their romantic interactions have been casual in nature.

Ben’s post about his breakup was a surprise, since it was exciting to see him settling down after years of casual relationships, but seeing Kate’s comment took the tension out of the split a bit. Below Deck viewers may now have more to speculate about, but Kate joking about Ben being her child’s father was a hilarious way to let the air out of a potentially tense moment for her longtime friend. The comment may be the perfect cover-up, according to some Below Deck viewers, but is likely just a joke from Kate to Ben.

Our Take On Ben & Kate’s Longtime Relationship

Is There Something Romantic Between Kate & Ben?

Although there’s a joking nature to Kate’s comment, it does leave some serious mystery to her and Ben’s relationship that’s begging to be dug into. While Ben and Kate have always had an easy rapport, their relationship in the last few years hasn’t been featured on any sort of Below Deck After Show or couch talk series, which has left some unanswered questions. While it’s possible Kate and Ben could find another romantic connection in the future, the former yachties are maintaining a great relationship regardless of where they stand. The Below Deck alums are still keeping viewers guessing.

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

Source: Chef Ben Robinson/Instagram