AMONG deaths, disappearances and endless drama, it’s not uncommon for series regulars and recurring cast members to say goodbye to the characters that made them daytime TV stars.
The Young and the Restless announced that two main characters would be leaving the series for its sister show, The Bold and the Beautiful, leaving longtime viewers wondering what’s in store for both daytime dramas.
10
10
Despite their longevity on the air, soap operas are no strangers to cast changes, going through hundreds of cast changes over the years.
Actors can be written out of shows only to return years later, or even return as a new character.
The Young and the Restless is the latest soap opera to change its cast, revealing that two major actors would be leaving the show to star in The Bold and the Beautiful.
10
Lauralee Bell, who plays Christine “Cricket” Blair, and Michael Damian, who plays Danny Romalotti, are set to leave the series.
However, their departures are not permanent – for now.
Bell and Damian have been series regulars for decades.
Bell, the daughter of series creators William J. and Lee Phillip Bell, began playing Blair on July 15, 1983, when she was just 15 years old.
10
She then had several recurring stints on the show in 2005 and 2006, before returning to the show in 2010.
Bell has appeared in over 1,600 episodes and celebrated his 40th anniversary with the series in July 2023.
Her character, Blair, is a model turned lawyer.
Damian was also a mainstay on the show, making his first appearance as Romalotti in 1981.
10
After starring on the show until 1998, he later returned for several year-long stints between 2002 and 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2013, and 2022 and 2024.
Damian’s character, Romalotti, is a longtime rockstar, who happens to be dating Blair – again, years after the two ended their marriage due to his infidelity.
US Weekly was the first to break the news of the casting change, which will see Bell and Damian leave their soap opera home, set in the fictional city of Genoa, for a new adventure in Hollywood.
Despite the initial outcry from fans (and haters) of the characters, most viewers were relieved to learn that the stars would only appear in two episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful before returning to The Young and the Restless.
10
Bell’s brother, The Bold and the Beautiful executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell, came up with the idea for the crossover episodes.
Bell and Damian filmed two episodes of their sister show on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
“We are all very excited,” said Bell Us weekly in relation to the crossing.
“What we’re doing is very authentic to the story,” she added.
“[Bradley] saw we were doing something on Y&R and he thought it would be great for B&B.”
10
“Of course he was going to do a show in Los Angeles and that’s how the idea came about,” she added, discussing Damian’s character on the show.
Damian was also excited about the new show, retweeting several media reports announcing the crossover.
“Let’s get the party started,” he tweetedalongside a dancer, confetti and other celebratory emojis.
“This is so exciting! I can’t wait to watch it! I’m so excited about the crossover! Amazing!” another fan responded.
10
During the crossover, Blair and Romalotti “are invited to a party at the Forrester Estate celebrating the successful relaunch of Brooke Logan’s ‘Brooke’s Bedroom’ fashion line… or so they think,” according to the synopsis.
“Little do Danny and Christine know, Brooke and Ridge have invited them to launch a new business venture.”
“Not to be left behind, Danny decides to put on his own surprise performance to share with partygoers.”
The crossover comes just a year after the acting duo were “celebrating our 40th anniversary as Cricket and Danny,” Bell revealed.
The cast of your favorite soap operas
From The Young and The Restless and General Hospital to Days of our Lives and The Bold and The Beautiful, soap operas are a must-see for daytime TV lovers. Below is more about the casts of these shows.
“We’re all really excited about it,” she said.
“Six months ago, there was a rumor that I was going to B&B and I thought, ‘If I am, no one told me!’ This is such a perfect reason.”
Bell previously appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful for a few episodes in 2007.
The two-episode crossover is set to premiere on CBS on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14 at 1:30 pm ET.
10
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
