The Young and the Restless family is overflowing with joy this week as beloved star Christel Khalil, known to millions as Lily Winters, has officially announced she’s expecting baby number three! The news broke with a heartwarming reveal that instantly sent fans, co-stars, and the entire soap world into celebration mode. Christel’s radiant glow and emotional announcement prove that some of life’s biggest surprises are also the sweetest — both on and off screen.

After months of quiet speculation from fans who noticed her recent social media posts showing a softer, more relaxed side, Christel finally confirmed what many had hoped for: she and her longtime partner are adding another little one to their beautiful family. The reveal came through an intimate video posted online, showing Christel surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and a moment of pure joy as she shared the big news. “Our hearts are full,” she said, smiling through happy tears. “This baby is already so loved.”

Almost instantly, the Y&R community reacted with an outpouring of love. Castmates flooded her post with congratulations, calling her a “supermom” and a “shining light.” Bryton James, who plays Devon Hamilton — Lily’s on-screen brother and one of Christel’s closest real-life friends — shared a touching message: “You’ve been my sister on screen for years, and now seeing you step into this next chapter again fills my heart with happiness. Your family is blessed beyond measure.

Christel’s pregnancy is particularly emotional for longtime Young and the Restless fans who have watched her grow up on the show. She joined the cast as a teenager, quickly becoming a central figure in some of the soap’s most memorable storylines — from Lily’s heartbreaking battles to her romantic ups and downs. Off-screen, Christel has always been known for her authenticity and grace, balancing a demanding career with motherhood and life’s everyday joys.

In her announcement, Christel revealed that this pregnancy came as a surprise but a deeply welcome one. “We weren’t planning it,” she confessed with a laugh. “But sometimes, life has a beautiful way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.” She went on to describe how her two children reacted to the news — with squeals, hugs, and a few thousand questions about baby names and whether it would be a boy or a girl. “They’re already arguing over who gets to help feed the baby,” Christel joked.

The Y&R production team is reportedly thrilled for Christel, who has been a cornerstone of the show for over two decades. According to insiders, writers are already brainstorming how to adapt her storyline during her maternity leave later this year. While no official details have been released, fans can expect Lily’s on-screen journey to mirror some of the emotional growth and joy Christel is experiencing in real life. “There will definitely be tender moments for Lily,” one source teased. “Art is imitating life in the most beautiful way.”

Social media is abuzz with excitement and admiration for the actress. Fans have been sharing clips of Christel’s best Y&R moments — from her tearful reconciliations to her fierce take-charge scenes as a businesswoman — pairing them with messages like “Our Lily deserves all the happiness in the world!” and “She’s glowing, inside and out.”

Christel’s sweet announcement video ends with a simple, heartfelt message written across the screen: “Baby #3 coming soon — surrounded by love, laughter, and gratitude.” The video’s final shot shows her smiling softly as her partner wraps an arm around her, their hands resting gently on her growing baby bump.

In interviews following the reveal, Christel spoke about how grateful she feels to have such strong support from her family, fans, and colleagues. “Motherhood has changed me in every way,” she said. “It’s taught me patience, love, and balance — and this new baby is just another blessing that reminds me how precious life is.”

The Young and the Restless team is reportedly planning a small on-set celebration in her honor, with cake, flowers, and heartfelt speeches from her castmates. “Christel is the heartbeat of this show,” said one crew member. “She brings warmth to every room she enters. Seeing her this happy — it’s contagious.”

As fans look forward to the arrival of Christel’s new bundle of joy, they can also rest easy knowing that the actress plans to return to Y&R after taking time off for her growing family. “This is home,” she assured viewers. “I’ll be back — just with one more little person to love.”

For now, the Young and the Restless star is embracing every moment of this journey — the anticipation, the joy, and the promise of new beginnings. Her smile says it all: love is growing, life is beautiful, and this next chapter is just beginning.

Congratulations, Christel — your Y&R family and millions of fans around the world are celebrating right along with you!