Just when it seems like there’s nothing left for Lucas in Hope Valley, a romantic “change” looms on the horizon. When the Heart Calls You Season 12.

Poor, poor Luke. For the last seasons of binge-worthy TV showluck was not in his favor. Before long, he lost his dream resort project, the woman he wanted to marry, and discovered that his ex-love had tried to have him killed.

It’s safe to say the tide needs to turn for him – and according to star Chris McNally, that might be about to happen. Speaking to Good Housekeeping, he hinted a “spark of chemistry” could be about to change everything.

“Well, there’s one of the new characters that comes to town who represents a pretty strong opposition to Lucas, and I think there’s a spark of chemistry there, and we’ll see where that leads,” he explained.

“I’m not sure yet, but I don’t want to spoil anything either, but I think fans will be excited to meet this new person, get to know them and follow this journey.”

Hallmark Channel

Of course, this leaves a huge doubt about how he feels about Elizabeth. After an intense romance, Lucas popped the question in season 9, with fans hoping a white wedding would mark season 10.

As we know, that didn’t happen, with Elizabeth breaking off the engagement when she was reluctant to leave Hope Valley. While Lucas was reeling from being shot down (literally) and losing the resort project, Elizabeth found love with Nathan, with the couple officially reuniting in season 11.

Lucas has been pining for his lost love for a while now (he doesn’t have much else to offer her, so is this a surprise?), but McNally thinks the time has come to move on .

“He’s happy for her, but it obviously still stings,” he added. “I don’t think in Lucas’s mind it’s possible to change that course. In a way, the path has been mapped out. He accepts it and he is at peace with it. Does he wish it was a different path? Yes, but ultimately he really cares about Elizabeth and wants her to be happy.

After speculation that Lucas might leave the show at the end of season 11, fans will be relieved to learn that there are still plenty of other storylines to explore. We don’t know exactly what that will look like yet – but in Hope Valley, there’s always drama.

When Calls the Heart Season 12 returns to Hallmark Channel on January 5, 2025. In the meantime, check out the burning questions season 12 needs to answeralongside smaller town dramas like Virgin River Season 6 And Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3.