The Young and the Restless has a long history of centering storylines around strong female characters, but the CBS soap opera is kicking things up a notch. Christel Khalil, who recently returned to the daytime drama as Lily Winters, says that her alter ego's new career at Chancellor Media is just the beginning of the show's shift to place more of its female characters in power positions.
"She's doing a job that she's been able to trailblaze on her own and create this new division and be a co-CEO, which is a big deal for Lily because she's never had that title before," the actress tells Soaps In Depth, adding that the storyline has opened up a new window for her to interact with characters she didn't share much screen time with in the past and to explore new dynamics and relationships. "And getting to work with Billy, somebody who has been kind of like a wild card, but they've really developed this great relationship. Just being able to be a part of this company and do something really big and different is exciting for Lily."
But, as we mentioned, it won't just be Lily who makes a name for herself in the Genoa City business world. Khalil says other GC women are also set to make a splash in the weeks ahead.
"I know that they are definitely planning to show more women in power," Khalil teases. "I think after the #MeToo movement, it's like... that's what's so great about Y&R. We're always keeping up with the times. And there has been a shift on the show to being more women in power. And they saw Lily as a part of that, which I'm very grateful for."
For more from Khalil about what's ahead for Lily and how she feels about her alter ego's new path, check out Soaps In Depth's full story here.
How do you feel about Y&R putting more of its female characters in power positions? Which character do you think could use a "girl power" career boost? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
