Hallmark Channel spoilers and updates reveal the show is broadening its lineup of charming leading men with the second season of Finding Mr. Christmas. Ten fresh contestants are prepared to compete for the festive crown.
The Series Returns To The Network Monday, October 27
Hosted by Jonathan Bennett, Hallmark’s reality competition series is set to return to the network on Monday, October 27.
This year, lead judge Melissa Peterman will be back to determine which star fulfills all the tinsel-filled criteria and secures a role in an upcoming ‘Countdown to Christmas’ movie.
Before the season premiere, Us Weekly interviewed all 10 contestants, which include models, a former NFL player, and aspiring actors, posing them some challenging questions.
Well, perhaps not challenging questions, but we did discover who has the skills to deck the halls and mingle with Hallmark’s already charming leading men. Scroll down and keep reading to see the results!
Contestant Number One-Rustin Sailors
The Most Prominent Trait of a Hallmark Leading Man: “Joy. I believe I embody a great deal of joy. I genuinely love people and life,” Rustin shared exclusively. “I’m always learning from life. I think we’re all here to enjoy connecting with one another and having meaningful, beautiful interactions that help us learn more about ourselves and each other. This brings me a lot of joy. I like to share that joy. I believe others feel it too.”
Ideal Hallmark Costar: Rustin admitted he doesn’t have a specific “dream” costar, stating, “I’m really looking forward to seeing how I create chemistry with various costars. It’ll be an exciting experience to discover who I can create some magic with.”
Why Does Rustin Think That He Should Be Chosen To Be Mr. Christmas?
“Oh, it’s me. I mean, there’s just no other way to put it,” Rustin proudly declared, excited about being in consideration to be Mr. Christmas. He went on to say, “I care about everyone else, and they’re all set to enjoy themselves; he clarified, “But my focus is on winning”. Exuding positivity, Rustin continued, saying “ I’m Mr. Christmas.”
“ When the holiday season approaches, my wife says, ‘Christmas Rustin is making his entrance!’ Rustin is an extreme Christmas fan, saying, I’m a massive enthusiast of the holidays; I truly get into the spirit of the entire season.”
Contestant Number Two-Robbie Simpson
The Key Trait of a Hallmark Leading Man: “I believe a crucial aspect for Hallmark, and something they excel at, is incorporating comedy and infusing your personality and humor into the content. It’s an excellent method to address tougher life topics in a more digestible way,” Robbie shared. “I hope that viewers can engage in those discussions with their friends and family.
If you were to ask my friends or family, they would tell you I’m always joking around and making people laugh.
I aim to bring that side of me to the competition, helping viewers feel at ease and enjoy laughter with their families as they uphold Hallmark traditions this year.”
Who Is Robbie’s Dream Costar?
Robbie stated that Hunter King and Finding Mr. Christmas host Bennett would be his dream co-stars; “I just watched Holiday Touchdown: [A Chiefs Love Story] and Hunter is fantastic in the film.
She’s an incredible actress who has long demonstrated her versatility in this industry,” he said enthusiastically; “I would love to do a film with her in any role. I feel we share a similar sense of humor and acting style, and she seems like a genuinely wonderful person.” On working with Bennett, Robbie remarked it would be so cool; he’s been an “inspiration for me in this industry, both as an actor and as a person with admirable values. I think it’s incredible what he’s achieving at Hallmark, and I feel privileged to be here and learn from him.”
Why Does Robbie Think He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
“I feel as though I’ve been preparing for this my entire life,” Robbie expressed. “I have worked diligently as an actor, both in college and graduate school, and I’ve gained experience in theater as well as on camera for various streaming services and soap operas. Therefore, I believe this all leads to this moment.”
He mentioned that another “benefit” for him is that he’s “a Hallmark enthusiast” and has been enjoying the rom-coms “for such a long time” with his family. “They bring an amazing sense of joy and values and [are] truly a significant part of pop culture right now, which I also appreciate,” Robbie continued.
Contestant Number Three-Marcus Brodie
According to Marcus, the key trait for a Hallmark leading man is kindness; he explained, “I truly think that a leading man must show kindness towards all.
He ought to be someone admired by others, a person people aspire to become-thus, kindness is crucial for a leading man, as everyone enjoys kindness and appreciates when it is reciprocated.”
As for his dream costar, “I would love to be paired with Jonathan-I mean, why not Jonathan Bennett, he’s the host of the show. Why wouldn’t I want to star in a Hallmark movie alongside him?” he shared; “It would be amazing to be like best friends or maybe even old college pals. I think that would be a blast-he has such a wonderful energy about him.”
Why Does Marcus Think He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
Marcus seemed very excited about the prospect of being chosen to be the next winner of “Finding Mr. Christmas”. “I truly believe I should be the next Finding Mr. Christmas because I can offer every quality it needs,” Marcus stated. “The kindness, the emotional side — while I don’t want to emphasize looks, I do have a bit of that Mr. Christmas vibe.
All of these aspects are crucial, but really it’s about the emotional warmth and kindness, along with being someone relatable. I am confident that these are the things I can bring to the screen.”
Contestant Number Four-Logan Shepherd
Logan highlighted the most important trait of a Hallmark leading man: “Oh, definitely, the ability to kind of talk to anybody, or create a connection with anybody,” he gushed.
Dream Hallmark Costar: “I think Lacey Chabert would probably be my No. 1,” he described, referring to her as one of Hallmark’s Christmas queens. “She’s such an iconic character that has has shown so much diversity-it would just be awesome to be able to have screen time with her.”
When discussing why he should be the next Mr. Christmas, he remarked, “I kind of check off every box along with anything that has to do with Hallmark-related or holiday in general.”
He pointed out his passion for “decorations, baking, music” related to the holiday season, as well as “sewing and knitting and the comfort of a warm environment.”
Contestant Number Five-Jake Schume
The most important trait of a leading man; “It’s probably just the energy, bringing that energy and maintaining an upbeat attitude while leading the way with it,” Jake shared. “That’s how I’ve approached life, always seeing the glass as half full and radiating positive energy.”
Dream Hallmark Costar: Jake mentioned Tyler Hynes as his ideal collaborator, highlighting how the actor’s impressive way of “presenting himself” and his “facial expressions” stand out.
“This is a completely new experience for me,” he admitted. “I’m still eager to learn more about the stars and everything else, but he embodies that Hallmark style; working with anyone is bound to be exciting and enjoyable.”
Why Does Jake Think He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
Jake went on to say why he feels he should be chosen to be the next Mr. Christmas. “I embody the qualities of confidence, leadership, and the energy required, and I maintain my composure exceptionally well,” Jake remarked about why he believes he is the best choice to win the show. “I am always on the lookout for challenges and opportunities to enhance myself. This seems like a perfect chance to do just that.” And, on to contestant Number Six!
Contestant Number Six-Gabriel Thaxton
As for leading man traits, Gabriel disclosed, “I’m a very friendly guy, so I’ll engage with anyone on the street- I live that Hallmark life, going through my day as a cheerful person. Dream Hallmark Costar: “After hearing about Happy Howlidays, I watched it, and I grew up watching 90210; I had a significant crush on Jessica Lowndes, so I’d love to work alongside her. The contestant stated, “She’s incredible, and she performed really well in that film too.”
Why he should be the next Mr. Christmas- “I think I bring the qualities that a classic Hallmark man embodies. I’m family-oriented, very friendly, kind, and I care about others, which I believe are the essential traits of every Hallmark man,” he noted.
Contestant Number Seven-Davey Fisher
According to Davey, the most significant trait of a Hallmark leading man is relatability. “If you’re a model, people might perceive your life as excessively glamorous and think you’re vain, but I still see myself as the same person, the same kid from Gardnerville, Nevada.” Davey mentioned, reflecting on his life before Hallmark; “I don’t find it difficult to embody that main character- I don’t have to pretend too much.”
He emphasized that being “genuine” and “down-to-earth” are essential qualities for a Hallmark lead. Davey admitted, “I might not be the best actor here.”
Davey Continued Talking About Himself, And His Ideal Costar
There are other models; I’m not going to be the most attractive, many guys have impressive resumes and are equally deserving.
Therefore, I will do my best and focus on what I can control, hoping that everything else will fall into place. As far as Davey’s dream Hallmark Costar, Davey didn’t select any previous Hallmark actresses as his ideal partner for a network rom-com.
Instead, he named Jessica Biel as an “all-time great” and Jennifer Aniston as his top choices. “She’s a bit older than me, but growing up, she was always like that North Star-the one actress I was always drawn to,” he said about the Friends star.
Why Does Davey Feel He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
“I have a strong feeling that I’m supposed to be here. It might sound like a cliché, but I’ve found myself at a peculiar crossroads in the past year, looking for something more as I experience a bit of stagnation,” Davey disclosed. “I enjoy what I do for a living; being a model is my ultimate aspiration, and I’ve also worked as a personal trainer for 13 years.”
While he referred to his life as “incredible,” Davey mentioned that there was “something” that felt “lacking,” and when the call for Finding Mr. Christmas came, he “realized this was his opportunity.”
Contestant Number Eight-Drake Kuyper
Now we come to contestant number eight, Drake Kuyper; what does he feel is the biggest Hallmark leading man trait? More importantly, why does he feel that he embodies it?
He said, “I think I can occasionally radiate main character energy, and I feel that’s something vital for a Hallmark movie.
So, I hope to convey that and let it come through on screen,” Drake noted. He also clarified that “main character energy” means “confidence, leading with love” and “having a lot of passion and love in your heart.”
Who Is Drake’s Dream Costar, And Why Does He Think He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
Who is Drake’s dream Hallmark costar? “Honestly, I believe it’s going to be a role that I truly resonate with; I don’t even have a particular one in mind.” He mentioned when asked about Hallmark’s current roster of talent, “It’s simply one where we can really ignite some chemistry on screen and perform exceptionally well together.”
As for why he should be the next Mr. Christmas, Drake emphasized that his “main character energy” makes him the perfect candidate for Mr. Christmas. “I possess a lot of energy overall; I have a generous spirit, and I’m confident that I’ll excel on camera,” he continued.
Contestant Number Nine-Craig Geoghan
And here’s contestant number nine, Craig Geoghan-what does he think is the biggest Hallmark leading man trait, and does he embody it?
Craig shared, “Creating a warm and inviting environment for others is something I’m really skilled at. I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but when I’m in a space, I feel as if I have the ability to take control,” Craig disclosed.
“I tend to exude a strong presence that encourages people to see me as an authoritative figure, but I do it in a gentle and approachable manner. My aim is to make everyone feel at home.”
Who Is Craig’s Dream Costar?
When considering who his perfect Hallmark co-star would be, Craig picked Lacey Chabert, referring to the Mean Girls icon as “the Hallmark girl.”
He elaborated, “What better way to act than with one of the GOATs, you know, the greatest of all time, one of the best Hallmark actresses to ever step on the scene? I think that would be quite amazing.”
He continued, “I’ve been a fan since I was a kid-she was probably about my age too, so it felt like I was growing up with her. That’d be pretty cool.”
Why Does Craig Think He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
And why does Craig believe he is the right choice for the next Mr. Christmas? “I’ve worked exceptionally hard to arrive at this juncture. I’ve been acting for a while now, taken on some really exciting roles, teamed up with some impressive individuals, and traveled to some fascinating destinations.
I truly think I have the qualities of a Hallmark guy,” he articulated; “I suppose I’ve always felt that way. With this chance in front of me, I’m ready to make that door swing open and reveal to the world what I’m capable of with love.”
Contestant Number Ten-Angel Garet
Last but not least, what does contestant Angel Garet feel is the biggest Hallmark man leading trait? “One characteristic I embody as a leading man is my heart- I’ve been told that I display my heart openly [and I’m an] emotional empath,” Angel remarked. “I think that’s a positive attribute to contribute to this competition.”
Regarding his dream Hallmark costar, Angel stated he doesn’t have a “specific dream costar, “instead, he’s “open” to working alongside both experienced actors from the network and fresh faces.
“If they have the experience, I will learn a great deal from them and aim to connect as much [as possible],” he elaborated. “And if they’re new, I’ll offer them my experience to help them enjoy their time on set and feel confident and at ease.”
Why Does Angel Feel He Should Be The Next Mr. Christmas?
Angel has a special reason for feeling that he is the one who should be chosen to be the next Mr. Christmas.
He wants to represent his native people, and bring a new facet to the Hallmark franchise. “I feel I should be the next Mr. Christmas based on my background.
As a Latino, I recognize that there aren’t many leading men like me, and I believe this is what I am meant to do,” Angel disclosed. “I want to take on the role of a leading man and bring some spice and Latin flavor to Hallmark.”
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