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Marco Grazzini, known for his role in the popular series Virgin River, has finally addressed his recent departure from the show as his character Mike won’t be returning for the upcoming eighth season.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on March 12, the 45-year-old actor shared his thoughts on leaving the series after being part of it since its second season. “In this industry, character exits are quite common, especially in a cherished and long-lasting show like Virgin River,” Grazzini explained. “I’ve had the privilege of portraying Mike for six incredible seasons.”
Expressing his gratitude, Grazzini conveyed his affection for the entire team involved with the show, stating, “I hold immense appreciation for the cast, crew, and particularly the remarkable fans who truly make the show stand out.” He also mentioned his enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead, saying, “I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career.”
The news of Grazzini’s absence as a regular cast member came to light on Thursday, leaving viewers wondering about the future of the series.
As Virgin River gears up for its seventh season, the departure of a key character like Mike adds to the series’ dynamic of unfolding love triangles and unresolved storylines. Since its debut in 2019, the show, adapted from Robyn Carr’s book series, has captivated audiences with the intricate lives of its small-town residents. However, with all the current uncertainties, fans are left questioning which familiar faces will return to their screens.
“For me, I’m just trying to look to the longevity of the show and making sure that the characters that we’re keeping have enough story engine in them to keep going,” showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told Deadline. “So I can’t say there are any specific cast shakeups planned, but I think we will have to start to — as characters run their course — make some decisions and bring in some new blood.”
In addition to Grazzini, Lauren Hammersley, who has been playing Charmaine since the show premiered on Netflix, is also not expected to come back. With the exception of Grazzini, the rest of Virgin River‘s season 7 series regulars are expected to return in season 8.
Based on the book series written by Robyn Carr, Virgin River centers around the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and her love interest, Jack (Martin Henderson). The series also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen and Kai Bradbury.
This isn’t the first time the show has gone through some changes behind the scenes. Grayson Gurnsey left as Ricky after season 4, and Mark Ghanimé, who played Cameron, had a surprising exit once season 6 was released.
Grazzini recently teased Mike’s future after his split from Brie (Allen) led to him potentially finding love with Victoria (Sara Canning), exclusively telling Us Weekly, “I think that Mike falls into the same patterns that he’s always been in. She’s somebody that he’s worked with in the past and she’s been in law enforcement.”
Netflix’s longest-running scripted series Virgin River has gone through some surprising cast changes — so who is expected to appear in season 7? Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel and Jack. The hit series, which premiered in 2019, […]
Grazzini teased that Mike “definitely has a type.”
“Mike definitely falls hard and he falls fast. He’s a romantic at heart and he just wants to find love,” he noted. “But maybe he needs to exercise a little bit more [caution]. Just wait and see. But obviously he’s taken by Victoria.”
The actor expressed hope that Mike could “broaden his horizons and maybe find other interests in common.”
“It would be somebody that could distract him from his work life and bring him more into other parts of himself. His hobbies and his passions. Because you know that that line of work can weigh on you,” he continued. “So when the other person in the relationship is also in that line of work, it can get pretty heavy. As familiar as it is, it would be nice for Mike to step out of his comfort zone.”
Virgin River is currently streaming on Netflix.