Just Jared hosted an exclusive behind-the-scenes panel during the 2026 Hallmark Christmas Cruise, bringing together Erin Cahill, Daniel Lissing, Heather Hemmens, Benjamin Ayres, Taylor Cole and Ashley Williams. Moderated by Managing Editor David Niederhoffer on the final day of the cruise, the conversation covered the making of Hallmark movies, memorable set stories and the friendships formed among the actors.
Daniel Lissing, attending the cruise for the first time, said the experience had exceeded his expectations. He also watched his new movie Forgotten Holiday alongside fans during its onboard premiere, describing the screening as a special opportunity to experience audience reactions firsthand.
Lissing’s Forgotten Holiday co-star Janel Parrish submitted questions for the panel. He recalled a Vancouver camera crew’s tradition of doing push-ups after each scene, which eventually involved much of the production team. Parrish also asked him to perform their private “yam fries” song, an inside joke from filming.
The actors expressed interest in seeing their on-set mistakes compiled into a special or series. Taylor Cole suggested that the group’s many bloopers could support an entire show, while Heather Hemmens joked that much of her footage would need to be censored because of her habit of making beeping sounds when she made a mistake.
Cole also revealed that a movie with Charles Michael Davis came together after she mentioned him as a desired co-star during the previous year’s cruise. She announced another upcoming Hallmark project with Wes Brown, describing it as a golf-themed movie featuring two weddings, pool scenes, stunts and a dance number.
Erin Cahill discussed Christmas in Blue Dog Valley, her first Hallmark movie with Andrew Walker after knowing him for nearly two decades. She also entertained the idea of a future project with Tyler Hynes, joking about creating a nautical story involving a mermaid and a merman as part of an animal-themed connection to her recent movies.
Ashley Williams spoke about working with Alison Sweeney on Miles to Christmas. Williams said the two developed the project together and make a strong producing team because they share a hands-on approach to production. She added that Sweeney often takes charge of the most difficult tasks, allowing them to work effectively together.
Hemmens said she would like to sing in a Hallmark movie, suggesting that a Christmas caroling storyline could be a natural fit. Her comments came after she performed “I Will Survive” during the cruise.
Benjamin Ayres explained that Noelle Nomads originated with a direct message from Holland Roden, who approached him with an idea inspired by her experience living as a nomad in a van. Ayres said the project was developed over several years, with Torrey DeVitto joining the cast, and that filming had recently concluded.
Ayres also confirmed that Hope Valley: 1874 would return to production in January 2027 following its renewal for a second season. He said the writers had sent him misleading photographs and notes about his character’s storyline, leaving him unsure about what would happen next.
Lissing addressed the possibility of returning as Jack Thornton in When Calls the Heart. Rather than limiting the idea to a flashback or dream sequence, he joked that Jack might have survived, lost his memory and continued living elsewhere. He said his relationship with Hallmark remained positive, while acknowledging that the characters and story had moved on.
Finally, Hemmens described her existing friendship with Brendan Penny as an important factor in making Texas Two-Step work. The film included five dance numbers that had to be learned in a single day, and she said their familiarity and shared sense of humor helped them manage the demanding schedule.
Sources: Just Jared.