Beloved “Young and the Restless” couple Christine “Cricket” Blair (Lauralee Bell) and Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) are set to get engaged in the July 10 episode, a moment Bell describes as “Finally” and “35 years in the making.” Their romance began as a teenage crush, leading to their first marriage in 1990. Though their initial union ended due to Danny’s affair with Phyllis Summers, the actors and fans alike are thrilled for this new chapter.
Nostalgia and Perfect Timing for the Iconic Couple
Both Bell and Damian believe the timing for this engagement is perfect, tapping into fans’ desire to revisit “safe and good” memories from their past. Bell noted that many longtime viewers are now in a “different place in life,” with grown children, making the return of this iconic duo a comforting trip down memory lane. Damian echoed this sentiment, highlighting the “beautiful nostalgia” and the collective fan reaction of “Oh, my God, finally.” Bell even playfully joked about the practicalities of waiting any longer, quipping, “if one of us has to get down on a knee, perhaps it’s not going to be any prettier in 10 years.”
Actors Share Excitement on Social Media
Lauralee Bell recently shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a goofy dance video with Damian that transitions into their in-character smiles, ending with a headline announcing the engagement. She captioned it, “Tomorrow… a “New” beginning for #dannyandcricket after they met 41 years ago. So incredible how Soaps can link us all together for decades. ❤️#thejourneycontinues.” Michael Damian also celebrated his long tenure on the show last year, sharing a throwback photo from his first day in 1981, expressing gratitude for “Amazing memories and still making them!” Back in May, Bell had also teased “guaranteed good days ahead” with a photo alongside Damian and Michael Graziadei (who plays Danny’s son).
“The Young and the Restless,” which first aired in 1973, continues to be a staple in American households, exploring the lives, romances, and rivalries in the fictional Genoa City, and remaining a true intergenerational tradition 52 years later.