Crystal Chappell hired for groundbreaking B&B role

The Bold and the Beautiful is just days away from introducing its first same-sex relationship. The show's head honcho, Brad Bell, says he is committed to telling the story in a way that will hopefully help to end discrimination.

Later this month, The Bold and the Beautiful will introduce its first same sex couple -- and B&B's executive producer and head writer, Bradley Bell, indicates that he is prepared to shake up everything the soap's Los Angeles residents have ever known about love and marriage.

As earlier reported by Soap Central, Emmy winner Crystal Chappell has been hired as Danielle, Karen Spencer's wife, and she's a secret Karen has been hiding from her brother, Bill Spencer, for years.

In an interview with TVGuide, Bell revealed his desire to explore the modern family by providing two moms for Karen's daughter, Caroline. For Bell, the soap veteran Chappell was the obvious choice to play Karen's life partner. "She's a great actress and such a good kisser," Bell explained.

Bell claims to have witnessed Chappell's kissing expertise in the actress' Emmy-winning web series, Venice. Though Bell has indicated that he will feature the women kissing on-screen when appropriate in story, it is unclear if the smooching will make it past the network censors. During her time on Guiding Light, Chappell's alter ego, Olivia Spencer, was involved in a same sex relationship, and CBS reportedly would not allow the two women to kiss.

Before pursuing the storyline, Bell talked to Johanna Johnson (Karen Spencer) to gauge her reaction. Johnson stated that she was excited about the possibilities of the storyline.

B&B is known for its outrageous, sometimes campy storylines; however, Bell assures viewers that he intends to take the relationship that Danielle and Karen share very seriously. Bell has also used the show as a platform to depict the human condition and real-life issues such as homelessness, cancer, interracial relationships, and addiction.

In his talk with TVGuide, Bell said that he's been disillusioned by the same-sex marriage debate in the United States, and he hopes to change opinions with his positive portrayal of a lesbian marriage.

"I listen to all the political debates on the subject of same-sex marriage and can't believe I share the same country with people who think so differently about human rights," Bell stated.

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Bell explained that Karen's father had reacted negatively to her homosexuality, and fearing that her brother shared that narrow-mindedness, she hid the relationship from Bill, Jr. Karen and Danielle's move to Los Angeles requires Karen to introduce Bill to her true self.

The romance -- and potential controversy -- begins with Johnson's return to B&B on May 16. Chappell will debut as Danielle the following day.

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