The picturesque town of Virgin River is about to welcome fans back for its seventh season, but the news has been bittersweet for cast, crew, and viewers alike. Filming has officially begun,

with Martin Henderson, the beloved Jack Sheridan of the Netflix hit series, sharing the momentous occasion on social media. Yet, behind the scenes, the Virgin River family grapples

with heartbreak: the sudden passing of actor Ben Hollingsworth has sent shockwaves through the production and beyond.

On Wednesday, Henderson took to Instagram to mark the commencement of filming, posting a video directly from his trailer. “Hi guys, it’s a very auspicious moment. It is day one of season seven of Virgin River,” the 50-year-old actor shared with a blend of excitement and emotion. In his hand, he held a thoughtful gift from Netflix, a symbol of the care the platform extends to its cast. “A little box of treats,” he explained, unveiling rechargeable hand warmers, an Aesop facial moisturizer, lip balm, and even a mini suitcase to carry the goodies. Henderson’s warmth and gratitude toward both Netflix and the fans radiated, offering a rare glimpse into the close-knit nature of the show’s ensemble.

“I’m really excited,” Henderson continued, his voice tinged with reverence for the community that supports Virgin River. “I want to make this the best season yet for you guys because none of us would be here if it wasn’t for you, the people who love and support the show. I am so grateful, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I hope we’re going to make a ripper of a show for you this season. Stay tuned!”

Fans flooded the comments, their excitement palpable, though many messages now carry an added layer of mourning for Ben Hollingsworth. The Canadian actor, known for his versatility and charisma, had quietly become a fan favorite, delivering performances that balanced intensity and heart. His untimely death leaves a void not only in the show’s narrative arc but also in the community of actors who have become like family over the years. Tributes poured in online, with colleagues recalling his infectious energy, professionalism, and the kindness he brought to every set.

For Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge, who stars as Mel Monroe, the loss is profoundly personal. Onscreen, Jack and Mel’s storyline in season seven promises to explore the blissful “honeymoon phase” of married life on their farm, with new challenges testing their bond. Behind the camera, however, the cast must navigate the emotional weight of continuing production without Hollingsworth, whose character had been integral in prior seasons.

Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith addressed the upcoming season with a blend of optimism and solemnity. Speaking to Tudum, he teased that Jack and Mel’s married life will be front and center. “I think we’ve only just begun to see Mel and Jack function as a married couple, which is exciting,” he said. “It forces you to dig a little bit deeper into, well, what other issues can they have in their relationship? Especially when you want to keep it through the romance lens. Alex and Martin play all of those moments so well. It’s just resting on emotional stakes as opposed to will they, won’t they.”

While fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding of Jack and Mel’s story, there is now an undeniable undercurrent of grief permeating the set. Hollingsworth’s death reminds everyone that life behind the cameras is as unpredictable and fragile as the drama that unfolds on-screen. His absence will inevitably reshape not only the interpersonal dynamics among the characters but also the atmosphere of production. Those who worked closely with him have described him as a mentor, a friend, and a source of steady humor, making the challenge of moving forward all the more poignant.

Season seven’s filming marks a new chapter for the show’s ensemble. Henderson’s video hinted at a deep appreciation for Netflix’s support, noting the thoughtful gift package as emblematic of the network’s dedication. “So stoked to be back at it, doing what I love for all of you who love the show. Thank you, Netflix, for your thoughtful gifts and continued support, and thank YOU to all the fans who keep us coming back here to make this cozy, heartfelt show. It’s an honor to be putting this thing out there for y’all,” Henderson said, his words reflecting both excitement and the resilience needed in the face of recent tragedy.

Fans of Virgin River know that the series thrives on its small-town charm, heartfelt relationships, and the interconnected lives of its residents. The deaths, arrivals, and trials of its characters have always mirrored real-life emotions, but the loss of a beloved actor adds a new dimension to the narrative. Hollingsworth’s contributions to the series were subtle yet impactful—his performances often grounding dramatic arcs with authenticity and heart. For the cast, the challenge now lies in honoring his memory while continuing to tell the story fans cherish.

In addition to Jack and Mel, the ensemble cast includes Doc, Hope, and a host of returning residents whose lives are intricately intertwined. As the farm becomes the backdrop for Jack and Mel’s honeymoon struggles, the larger community faces its own challenges, amplified by the undercurrent of loss. The seventh season promises to explore these relationships with a mixture of romance, tension, and, inevitably, grief, reflecting the dual realities of fiction and the actors’ lives.

Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for season seven, but anticipation continues to build. Social media has been awash with messages from fans expressing excitement, grief, and solidarity with the cast. “Welcome back! Season 7 woohoo!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Can’t wait for season 7. Best series ever,” while many others acknowledged Hollingsworth’s passing, sharing personal tributes to the actor who helped define the show’s emotional landscape.

The series has also inspired recommendations for similar shows that capture the same blend of heart and drama, from Firefly Lane and Sweet Magnolias to Chesapeake Shores and Ginny & Georgia. But for Virgin River fans, no show can replace the unique chemistry cultivated over six seasons, particularly in light of recent events. Season seven is expected to dive deeper into character development, relationships, and community, all while contending with the real-world void left by Hollingsworth’s death.

As filming continues, the cast and crew face the delicate task of honoring both the fictional world they have built and the memory of a colleague whose life touched so many. The seventh season of Virgin River, while filled with the promise of love, renewal, and small-town intrigue, will also inevitably carry the emotional weight of loss, serving as a reminder that the stories we cherish on-screen often reflect the fragility and resilience of life off-screen.

In conclusion, the Virgin River world finds itself at a crossroads: the excitement of a new season, the return of fan-favorite characters, and the deep sorrow of losing Ben Hollingsworth. His legacy will endure through the series he helped shape, his performances continuing to resonate with fans long after his passing. As Jack and Mel navigate the complexities of married life, and as the community of Virgin River faces its challenges, viewers are invited to join not only in the unfolding drama but in honoring the memory of a talented actor whose presence will be profoundly missed.

The stage is set, the cameras are rolling, and despite heartbreak, Virgin River’s seventh season promises to deliver all the romance, tension, and heartfelt storytelling fans have come to love—now tinged with the bittersweet reminder of Ben Hollingsworth’s enduring impact on the show’s legacy.