Dani Soares and Jean-Luc Cerza Lanaux from Below Deck Sailing Yacht began a relationship after meeting on season two of the show. The two were new to the franchise, just like their fellow crew members. No one from the first season returned besides the captain of the Parsifal III, Glenn Shephard. A whole new crew made for some interesting drama, including three hookups, a love triangle, and several disputes between the cast. However, they are widely considered one of the best crews to come out of the whole franchise. Captain Glenn has called his crew the "dream team."
While the crew was working together on the boat, everyone seemed to get along for the most part. Besides a few hiccups between Daisy Kelliher and Natasha De Bourg (and Daisy and Gary King), the crew seemed to be very close-knit. However, at the reunion that aired earlier this week, it was clear that several crew members left the vessel on bad terms. Dani and JL probably had the most issues, and fans are curious about the entire timeline of their relationship.
First Meeting And Developing Feelings
The pair met when they joined the yacht on the first day, and Jean-Luc immediately felt something for Dani. Sparks didn't begin to fly between them until they played a game of Truth or Dare. JL told Dani he liked her. In fact, the two had their first kiss during the game. During an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in April 2021, Dani said that this was the moment that she started looking at him differently. The pair started hooking up from that day on and even left the yacht together. They spent a couple of days together after completing the season, before heading back to their respective homes.
Unexpected Pregnancy
In April of 2021, Dani announced she was expecting her first child in an @iamdanisoares Instagram post. "It’s just you and I little baby," she captioned the photo of her growing bump. Many fans wondered if JL was the father of her child at the time, seeing as they filmed the show in August 2020. However, Dani was adamant about not revealing the identity of her baby's father. She felt it wasn't relevant to the situation. During an interview with Us Weekly, the new mom said, "I understand that people are curious about it, and I understand that I’m on a TV show [...] I just don’t think it’s anybody’s business right now." Dani continued to keep the identity of her baby's father a secret up until the two-part reunion special.
Their Uncertain Future Together
Ahead of the BDSY reunion, JL took to his @jeanluc_cerza_lanaux Instagram. He was ready to break his silence regarding the paternity of Dani's baby. He said he is willing to take a paternity test but wants him and Dani to "take the tests together." The 25-year-old also wished to set the record straight about rumors that he did not want to be involved if the baby is his.
During the second part of the reunion, Dani finally confirmed that she believes JL is her baby's father. "Let's put it this way. This baby was made during the season while we had cameras 24/7 with us and I only slept with one guy," she clarified. Later on, JL had an individual conversation with Andy Cohen. During that chat, he discussed how he wants to be involved if the child is his. He even spoke about the possibility of moving to Australia. However, at the end of the episode, it was revealed that the pair have yet to speak to each other.
As for where their relationship stands today, it seems as though Below Deck Sailing Yacht stars Dani and JL won't be reconciling anytime soon. Dani was hurt by his desire for a paternity test. She is adamant that JL is the only guy she has been with for the past year. Hopefully, these two can at least work out their relationship for the sake of their newborn daughter, Lily.
Sources: Us Weekly, Dani Soares/ Instagram, Jean-Luc Cerza Lanaux/ Instagram