We Have a Major Update on Below Deck's James Hough and Charter Guest Lexi

The first major charter guest drama of Season 8 of Below Deck was all about James Hough.

Yes, the deckhand found himself at the center of the argument that erupted during dinner in the November 9 episode of Below Deck (clip above) after charter guest Jamee called out another charter guest, Lexi, for riding on the back of a jet ski with James after their friend Shay had already expressed interest in the deckhand. To make matters worse, James showed up in a Speedo at the request of the primary charter guest, Charley, to make Lexi's birthday celebration extra special that night.

The chaos that ensued was just as surprising to James, he described during his appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on November 16. "I don't really know what to think, to be fair. It was unexpected," James told host Andy Cohen. "I'd like to say it's happened before. It clearly hasn't."

James then shared an update that made Andy's jaw drop — and we're sure you'll be picking yours up off the floor once you hear it. "I still keep in touch with Lexi," James revealed on WWHL. "Well, kind of."

However, the two have not seen each other in person since this season of Below Deck because of "the whole pandemic and everything," according to James.

Want more Below Deck? New episodes air every Monday at 9/8c or catch up on this season through the Bravo app.

Sneak a peek at the drama coming up on Below Deck, below.

Is James Hough Playing Too Much and Working Too Little?