Alexandra Breckenridge, beloved for her portrayal of the resilient and compassionate Mel Monroe in Virgin River, has opened up about what fans can expect in Season 7 of the hit Netflix series — and about her upcoming holiday film, My Secret Santa. In an in-depth conversation filled with warmth and introspection, Breckenridge reflected on Mel’s continuing emotional journey, her growth as a character, and the fresh creative energy that comes with taking on a completely different role in a Christmas movie.

The actress began by acknowledging the deep connection fans have formed with Mel over the years. “Mel has become more than just a character for me,” she said. “She’s someone I’ve grown with, cried with, and learned from. Every season, the writers challenge her — and me — to find new depths of strength, compassion, and vulnerability.”

As Virgin River heads into its seventh season, the stakes for Mel have never been higher. Season 6 ended on a dramatic note, with Mel grappling with the devastating loss of her unborn child, the complicated truth about her biological father, and the uncertainty of her future with Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). Breckenridge hinted that Season 7 will continue to explore Mel’s healing process — not through melodrama, but through quiet, heartfelt resilience.

“Mel’s in a place of rediscovery,” Breckenridge explained. “She’s questioning who she is beyond her trauma. For so long, her identity was tied to loss — the death of her husband, her struggles with motherhood, the challenges of small-town life. Season 7 is about finding peace. She wants to build something new — something that feels like joy, not just survival.”

When asked about Mel’s dynamic with Jack, Breckenridge teased that fans will see a more balanced, mature version of their relationship. “Jack and Mel have always been the emotional core of Virgin River,” she said. “But this season, we’re seeing them as partners — not just romantically, but emotionally and practically. They’re learning to rely on each other without losing themselves in the process. It’s beautiful and messy, just like real life.”

Beyond romance, Season 7 will also dive deeper into Mel’s connection to the Virgin River community — something Breckenridge considers one of the show’s most vital themes. “What makes this show special is its heart,” she noted. “Virgin River isn’t just a town — it’s a symbol of second chances. Everyone who comes there is broken in some way, but the town helps them heal. That’s what makes it resonate so much with viewers around the world.”

The actress also hinted at new faces arriving in Virgin River — including one who shares a mysterious connection to Mel’s late mother, Sarah Monroe. “There are some emotional surprises coming,” she revealed with a smile. “Let’s just say Mel will learn that family isn’t always about blood — it’s about the people who stay.”

When the topic turned to My Secret Santa, her upcoming Netflix holiday film, Breckenridge’s eyes lit up. “After all the heavy emotional work I’ve done with Virgin River, I wanted to do something that feels light, cozy, and joyful,” she said. “My Secret Santa was the perfect project for that.”

The film, set in a snowy small town, follows a big-city journalist named Claire Hudson (played by Breckenridge) who returns home for the holidays to help save her family’s struggling newspaper. When she begins receiving mysterious gifts from a “Secret Santa,” she embarks on a heartwarming journey of love, gratitude, and rediscovery — all while rekindling an old romance with her high school sweetheart.

“It’s a story about hope,” Breckenridge explained. “Claire’s career is falling apart, her personal life’s a mess, and she’s forgotten what Christmas really means. Then this Secret Santa starts leaving her little reminders — things that tie back to her childhood, her dreams, her family. It’s simple, but it’s incredibly touching.”

While Virgin River and My Secret Santa share small-town charm, Breckenridge emphasized how different her characters are. “Mel and Claire are opposites in a lot of ways,” she said. “Mel’s grounded, introspective, and a little cautious about love. Claire’s fiery, witty, and ambitious — she’s used to hiding behind her work. But both of them are women trying to rediscover themselves through connection, which is something I think audiences really respond to.”

The filming process for My Secret Santa also gave Breckenridge a rare chance to embrace the magic of the holidays. “It was shot in Vancouver in the middle of summer, but you’d never know it,” she laughed. “They transformed the set into this winter wonderland — fake snow, twinkling lights, hot cocoa everywhere. It was impossible not to feel festive.”

Fans can also expect plenty of chemistry between Breckenridge and her co-star, Justin Hartley, who plays the charming local craftsman and Claire’s old flame, Ben. “Justin’s incredible,” Breckenridge said. “He brings so much heart and humor to the role. Our characters have this history that’s both romantic and bittersweet, and it was so fun to play with that dynamic.”

When asked how she balances heavy drama and lighthearted romance, Breckenridge credited her creative team — and her own sense of gratitude. “I’m lucky,” she admitted. “I get to play complex women in worlds that feel alive. Whether it’s Mel in Virgin River or Claire in My Secret Santa, both stories remind me of why I became an actress: to tell stories that move people.”

Breckenridge also shared that both projects have taught her valuable life lessons. “With Virgin River, I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear. You can be strong and still fall apart sometimes — that’s okay. With My Secret Santa, I’ve learned that joy is a choice. Even when things are hard, there’s always something to be grateful for.”

As the conversation turned to what’s next, Breckenridge offered a thoughtful reflection on her creative evolution. “When I first started Virgin River, I didn’t realize how much Mel would change me,” she said. “Playing her taught me empathy in a way I didn’t expect. And with every season, she’s teaching me something new — about loss, love, motherhood, forgiveness. Season 7 will bring all of that full circle.”

For fans eager to see what lies ahead, she promised an emotional but uplifting ride. “There’s heartbreak, of course — it’s Virgin River,” she laughed. “But there’s also hope. This season is about healing, new beginnings, and remembering that love always finds a way.”

As for My Secret Santa, she hopes it brings a little extra light to viewers this holiday season. “We live in such a fast-paced world,” she said. “If this movie gives people one evening to slow down, curl up with hot cocoa, and believe in love again — that’s enough for me.”

In the end, Alexandra Breckenridge’s career continues to shine because of her sincerity, depth, and connection to her characters. Whether she’s navigating heartbreak in Virgin River or rediscovering joy in My Secret Santa, her performances remind audiences of what storytelling is really about: emotion, empathy, and the endless search for meaning in the human experience.