Virgin River spoilers ahead
Virgin River season 3 was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one particular way.
If you've already binged the latest batch of episodes of the Netflix series, you'll have noticed the physical absence of Annette O'Toole's character Hope McCrea, who's away looking after her poorly aunt.
What to Read Next
Showrunner Sue Tenney caught up with Entertainment Weekly to explain why this is the case.
Related: Virgin River season 3 reveals Jack's surprise fate ahead of premiere
"That was a pandemic pivot. We've worked very hard to make sure she was still very much in the show," she began.
"If we have a fourth season, everyone is now vaccinated and the pandemic is not what it was. So, I would hope that we would have Annette back."
Sadly, O'Toole's inability to reach the set during deep pandemic times meant that Virgin River's writing team had to rework some third season storylines, including Hope and Doc Mullins' vow renewal ceremony.
Related: Virgin River season 3 release date confirmed by Netflix
"We had a very lovely, two long episodes about that," Tenney revealed, who shelved this tender segment instead of just letting it play out off-camera.
"Two episodes of plot on that. When we get to that point, which is a recommitment ceremony, we definitely are going to want to see that.
"But we have some drama going on with both of those characters that puts that on the back-burner, but also heightens their commitment to one another."
Virgin River seasons 1, 2 and 3 are available to stream on Netflix.
Netflix/Left Bank Pictures The Crown season 3 with Amazon exclusive box artwork
Blockbusters are back – and the latest edition of Digital Spy Magazine has got everything you need to know about the summer's biggest box office arrivals. Read every issue now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+.
Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
