The first major “When Calls the Heart” Season 6 news is finally here. Fans already knew that the show had been renewed and that a Christmas special is coming later this year, but now it’s time for Hearties to learn about the Season 6 cast.

When Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) died at the end of Season 5, it left an opening for a new Mountie to come into town. Nathan Grant is that new Mountie. Actor Kevin McGarry, who has starred in Hallmark movies like “Love at First Bark” and “A Song for Christmas,” is taking on the new role in the Hallmark Channel drama, the network announced.

While fans are still mourning the loss of Jack, they should remember that while Nathan is the Mountie replacement, he’s not there to essentially be the new Jack. He’s a character all his own as a “strong, silent type [that ] takes all his responsibilities to heart as the new Mountie in town,” the press release says.

wcth s6 cast new
Kevin McGarry, who starred in “Love at First Bark,” and Chris McNally, who was in “The Sweetest Heart,” have joined “When Calls the Heart” Season 6. Crown Media / Bettina Strauss; Crown Media / Kailey Schwerman

This confirms executive producer Brian Bird’s tease earlier this year that they were “already ordering the red serge,” which is the Mountie uniform jacket. Now fans know that the new jacket will be put to good use with the arrival of Nathan in Hope Valley.

The casting news doesn’t stop there. Also joining the “When Calls the Heart” cast is Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard, “a charming gambler and saloon owner who is hiding more than a card up his sleeve.” McNally’s most recent Hallmark movie was 2018’s “The Sweetest Heart” with Julie Gonzalo.

“We are thrilled to welcome actors Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry to the cast of ‘When Calls the Heart,’” Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks, said. “Their characters will add another layer to the already rich and compelling storytelling that our legions of fans love. Lucas and Nathan are sure to bring some exciting stories to Hope Valley that our loyal viewers will be rewarded with when the new season premieres first quarter 2019.”

Original cast members Erin Krakow (Elizabeth), Lori Loughlin (Abigail), Pascale Hutton (Rosemary), Kavan Smith (Lee), Jack Wagner (Bill) and more are set to return. Filming for Season 6 began earlier this week in Canada.

The “When Calls the Heart” Christmas special airs later in 2018, and Season 6 is expected to premiere in early 2019.

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