For When it calls the heart star Kevin McGarrythe show’s true love story will finally unfold in the upcoming 11th season.
ET’s Deidre Behar caught up with the cast on set in Vancouver, British Columbia, and spoke with McGarry – who stars as Nathan Grant, a Canadian police officer with feelings for Elizabeth Thornton, played by Erin Krakow.
“I’ve always liked Nathan and Elizabeth as a couple,” McGarry shared. “I think Nathan was created for Elizabeth.”
Season 10 of When it calls the heart ended in a surprising twist when Elizabeth broke off her engagement to Lucas (Chris McNally) amid her developing feelings for Nathan.
“I really feel like (Nathan) not finding a place, him not finding a partner, was deliberate. He was just supposed to wonder while she was moving on with Lucas,” McGarry said. “I think it was always meant to be this way and that they were supposed to be the endgame. And I really like how it was done.”
Nathan came to Hope Valley after the death of Elizabeth’s husband, fellow Mountie Jack Thornton (Image: Disclosure)Daniel Lising). Nathan developed feelings for Elizabeth, which he expressed in season 8 – although the feelings were, at the time, unrequited.
Now, however, it looks like fans will get a lot more out of Elizabeth and Nathan’s blossoming romance, and the chemistry between McGarry and Krakow goes a long way toward selling that relationship.
In fact, Krakow — who also serves as the show’s executive producer — unexpectedly showed up in McGarry’s chat with ET, and the pair reflected on working together to develop this new storyline.
“I think it’s really great. It’s always wonderful to work with Kevin and it’s really lovely to be able to tell this story and give back to all of Kevin’s fans – and Nathan’s fans,” Krakow said.
McGarry and Krakow explained how, in the upcoming season, Elizabeth will undergo a transformation of sorts — or a “rebirth,” as Krakow put it.
“She is coming out of the cocoon,” Krakow added.
Fans will also see a slightly different Nathan — or, as McGarry explained, “Nathan is working out in his garage.”
Krakow teased a possible shirtless scene, suggesting fans will see “more of Nathan in Season 11 than ever before.”
While many Hearties are eager to see how Nathan and Elizabeth develop their relationship, some were upset to see her romance with Lucas come to an end. And McGarry just wants fans to know that he understands that disappointment, but thinks they’ll like what’s to come.
“My message is that I’m sorry if anyone is hurt by the way the story is being told. That’s not anyone’s intention. The long-term (goal) is always to tell a great story. Tell a long story. And, you know , that was the decision – and I really hope you stick with us,” McGarry said. “Every character is inherently good on the show and just because someone isn’t with someone else doesn’t mean they’re not an important character on the show.
“Lucas is a big part of Hope Valley and I don’t think we would have to show it without (him),” McGarry added. “(There are) a lot of heartbeats in this show, you know? So I’m sorry if anyone got hurt, but I really think the show is moving to a really beautiful place and I hope you stick around and watch.”
When it calls the heart season 11 begins April 7 on Hallmark Channel.
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