Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Dani Soares captured viewers' hearts during her time on the popular Bravo reality series. Her pregnancy announcement after the show finished filming left fans with questions, especially regarding the identity of the baby's father and what happened after the birth. This article explores Dani's journey from yachtie to mother and addresses the questions about her baby.
Who is Dani Soares from Below Deck Sailing Yacht?
Dani Soares joined the cast of Below Deck Sailing Yacht for its second season, which aired in 2021. The Brazilian beauty worked as a second stewardess aboard the sailing yacht Parsifal III under the command of Captain Glenn Shephard.
Dani's Background Before Reality TV
Before joining the Below Deck franchise, Dani had worked in the yachting industry for several years. Her experience and professional demeanor made her a valuable crew member, though her personal life would soon take center stage in the show's drama.
The On-Screen Romance with Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux
During the second season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, viewers watched as Dani developed a romantic relationship with deckhand Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux. Their relationship became one of the central storylines of the season.
The Dynamics of Their Relationship
The couple's relationship had its ups and downs throughout the season:
- Dani was 33 at the time, while Jean-Luc was only 24
- They faced challenges related to their age gap and different life experiences
- Despite the challenges, their romance intensified as the season progressed
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Dani's Pregnancy Announcement
In April 2021, after filming for Season 2 had concluded, Dani surprised fans by announcing her pregnancy on Instagram. The timing of the announcement led to immediate speculation about whether Jean-Luc was the father.
Public Reaction to the News
The pregnancy announcement generated significant buzz among Below Deck fans:
- Many assumed Jean-Luc was the father based on their on-screen relationship
- Others questioned the timeline, wondering if the baby could have been conceived during filming
- Dani initially remained private about the identity of her baby's father
The Birth of Lilly Soares
On May 29, 2021, Dani welcomed her daughter, Lilly Soares, into the world. She shared the news on social media, posting a photo of her newborn's hand with the caption: "She is here. She is perfect. And we are trying to figure this thing out."
Dani's New Life as a Single Mother
Dani was open about embracing single motherhood from the beginning:
- She relocated to Australia, where she worked as a nurse
- She balanced her career with raising her daughter
- She created a supportive environment for Lilly without a father present
The Paternity Question: Jean-Luc's Response
As speculation continued about whether Jean-Luc was the father of Dani's baby, his initial response frustrated both Dani and fans of the show.
Jean-Luc's Initial Reluctance
When first questioned about the possibility of being Lilly's father, Jean-Luc:
- Expressed doubt about the paternity
- Suggested he would need a DNA test to confirm
- Seemed hesitant to take responsibility
| Timeline of Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 2 Filming | August-September 2020 |
| Dani's Pregnancy Announcement | April 2021 |
| Lilly's Birth | May 29, 2021 |
| Jean-Luc's Paternity Confirmation | January 2022 |
The Paternity Confirmation
After months of speculation and public drama, Jean-Luc finally confirmed that he was indeed Lilly's father in January 2022. He made the announcement via Instagram, stating that a paternity test had confirmed what many had suspected all along.
Jean-Luc's Public Statement
In his announcement, Jean-Luc wrote:
"I am happy and proud to say sweet and beautiful Lilly Rose is my daughter."
He also apologized for the delay in confirming the paternity, citing logistical challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions.
What Happened to Dani and the Baby After the Show?
Following the birth of Lilly and the subsequent paternity confirmation, Dani focused on building a stable life for herself and her daughter in Australia.
Dani's Career Change
One significant change in Dani's life was her career transition:
- She left the yachting industry behind
- She pursued nursing, completing her education in Australia
- She established a more settled lifestyle suitable for raising a child
Co-Parenting Relationship
Despite the initial drama surrounding Lilly's paternity, the question of whether Dani and Jean-Luc developed a co-parenting relationship remains complicated:
- Jean-Luc reportedly lives in the United States while Dani and Lilly are in Australia
- The geographical distance presents obvious challenges for co-parenting
- Both parties have maintained relative privacy about their current arrangement
Dani's Life on Social Media
While Dani has maintained some privacy regarding her daughter, she does share glimpses of her life as a mother on social media.
Balancing Privacy and Transparency
Dani has taken a measured approach to sharing her daughter with the world:
- She occasionally posts photos of Lilly, though often without showing her face
- She shares milestone moments and the joys of motherhood
- She maintains boundaries around her daughter's privacy
Fan Support for Dani and Lilly
Throughout her journey from pregnancy announcement to motherhood, Dani has received substantial support from Below Deck fans.
The Below Deck Family
Many of Dani's former crew members have publicly supported her:
- Chief Stewardess Daisy Kelliher has remained close friends with Dani
- Captain Glenn Shephard has expressed his support
- Other crew members have defended Dani during the paternity controversy
Conclusion
The story of Dani Below Deck and what happened to her baby represents more than just reality TV drama. It showcases a woman who embraced an unexpected turn in her life path with strength and determination.
Today, Dani Soares continues to build a life for herself and daughter Lilly in Australia. While the journey to confirming Lilly's paternity was controversial and public, Dani has focused on what matters most: providing a loving and stable environment for her daughter.
As fans of Below Deck Sailing Yacht know, life at sea is unpredictable, with changing tides and unexpected storms. Dani's journey from yachtie to mother may not have followed a conventional route, but she has navigated these changes with remarkable resilience and grace, putting her daughter's wellbeing above all else.
Whether Jean-Luc will play a significant role in Lilly's life moving forward remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dani has embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and created a beautiful life for her daughter, regardless of the circumstances surrounding her birth.