Virgin River is heading into uncharted territory. Netflix has confirmed a major cast shakeup ahead of season seven, with two fresh faces joining the ensemble—and one beloved character officially stepping away.
Cameron Says Goodbye (For Now)
Mark Ghanime, who played charming town doctor Cameron Hayek, will not return as a series regular. Fans had grown attached to Cameron’s warmth and level-headedness, particularly during Doc’s health struggles, making his departure a blow to longtime viewers.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith addressed the exit candidly:
“Cameron will always be part of our world, and I would love to see his character come back again,” he told Deadline. “He unfortunately won’t be a series regular in Season 7, but I love Mark, and I love the character, so when opportunity presents itself, I’d love to have him back.”
For now, Cameron’s storyline has been put on pause—but the door isn’t completely closed.
Enter Victoria: A Mysterious Investigator
Netflix has revealed that The Vampire Diaries alum Sara Canning has been cast as Victoria, an ex-cop who now works for the state medical board. She arrives in Virgin River with a professional mission: investigating Doc Mullins’ practice.
But her story won’t stay confined to paperwork. According to the official synopsis, Victoria will cross paths with an old friend in town—a connection that may spark “something more.” Her presence could ruffle feathers in a community already protective of its own, and fans are already buzzing about what kind of impact she’ll make.
Meet Clay: The Rodeo Drifter Searching for Family
Also joining season seven is Cody Kearsley (Riverdale), who will play Clay, described as a “tough, athletic” former rodeo rider. Clay’s backstory is laced with heartache: raised in foster care, he lost touch with his sister as a teenager and has been searching for her ever since.
His arrival in Virgin River suggests he may finally be closer to answers—but the journey is bound to come with its own drama. Clay’s rugged resilience could make him a natural fit for the town, but will his search stir up old secrets?
What’s Next for Virgin River’s Core?
Season seven has officially begun production in Vancouver, with Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel), Martin Henderson (Jack), Colin Lawrence (Preacher), Tim Matheson (Doc), Annette O’Toole (Hope), Sarah Dugdale (Lizzie), and Kai Bradbury (Denny) all spotted on set.
For Mel and Jack, the new season will dive into their newlywed “honeymoon phase.” But as showrunner Patrick Sean Smith teased to Tudum:
“There’s a lot more to go here with these characters. Season seven will explore the honeymoon phase for them as they’re building their lives on the farm, which can come with its own obstacles.”
Given Virgin River’s history, those obstacles are unlikely to be small.
A Season of Change
Between Cameron’s absence, Victoria’s investigation, and Clay’s emotional search, season seven promises both heartbreak and fresh intrigue. Virgin River has never been afraid to shake things up, and these casting moves suggest the next chapter will challenge the town in ways we haven’t yet seen.
One thing’s certain: the community’s spirit—and the love stories at its core—will keep fans coming back for more.
🔥 Bottom Line: Virgin River season seven marks a new era, balancing goodbyes with fresh beginnings. With two intriguing newcomers and the central couples facing life-changing decisions, the series is gearing up for another heartfelt—and unpredictable—ride.
