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When Calls the Heart star Erin Krakow is teasing some exciting stuff for the show’s upcoming ninth season. The actor, who is also an executive producer on the Hallmark Channel series, says that the new episodes will show the character of Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) in “a new light.” 

Erin Krakow teases what to expect from ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 9 

Chris McNally as Lucas, leaning against a red wall, in 'When Calls the Heart'
Chris McNally as Lucas in ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 8 | ©2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Krakow, who plays schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton on the long-running series, recently shared with TVLine an update on what to expect from When Calls the Heart Season 9. The new episodes will explore Elizabeth and Lucas’s evolving relationship after they finally declared their feelings for each other in the season 8 finale. Fans will also get to see the saloon owner step into a new role in relation to Elizabeth’s young son Jack (played by newcomer Hyland Goodrich in season 9). 

“We’ve seen the fire burn between these two for years, and this season … is no exception! Lucas and Elizabeth are finally getting to explore and enjoy their relationship,” Krakow wrote. “We’re also getting to see Lucas in a new light – as father figure to Little Jack, who absolutely adores him!”

‘When Calls the Heart’ teaser shows Lucas bonding with Little Jack 

Hearties got their first look at Lucas’s new dynamic with Elizabeth’s son in a recently released season 9 teaser (via YouTube). In the clip, Lucas arrives at Elizabeth’s home to take care of Jack while she’s at work. He’s also brought a special gift for the boy – a small wooden toy boat. 

“Just like the one your father had,” Lucas tells Elizabeth. 

“That is a very thoughtful gift,” she replies.

In another clip shared by Hallmark Channel, Elizabeth’s friend Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) tells her that Lucas “will make a wonderful father.”

Elizabeth looks shocked, but Rosemary isn’t having it. 

“Oh, don’t give me that look,” she says. “You obviously feel the same way.”

“Yes,” Elizabeth replies. “But perhaps you could slow my trip down the aisle just a bit?” 

Chris McNally says he’s looking forward to exploring a different side to Lucas 

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Since his character was introduced in When Calls the Heart Season 6, fans have mostly seen Lucas in his role as a business owner and a potential suitor for Elizabeth. McNally has said he’s excited to explore a different side to his character next season. 

“​​I’m looking forward to next season… and seeing Lucas in more of a father-figure role,” he told ET in an interview after the season 8 finale. The actor referenced a touching moment he shared with Nathan’s niece Allie (Jaeda Lily Miller) in season 8 and said he hoped season 9 would build on that. “I feel like we will see more of that and explore more of that.” 

In general, fans saw less of When Calls the Heart’s young actors in season 8 due to COVID-19 filming restrictions. Krakow told ET that should change in season 9. 

“I’m very excited to get the kids back on the show and in a bigger capacity,” she said. “I am really excited about this, because we have, somehow, avoided bringing Lucas into Elizabeth’s space… I think it’s setting us up well, there’s just all of this new territory to explore in season 9.” 

When Calls the Heart Season 9 premieres Sunday, March 6 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. 

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