Virgin River returned to screens with its much-anticipated sixth season on Thursday, December 19. While fans were excited to reconnect with the characters they’ve come to love, one bittersweet moment stood out. Mark Ghanimé, who played Dr. Cameron Hayek, is no longer part of the series. This departure marks a significant shift for the show as it moves forward.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed Ghanimé’s exit in an earlier interview with Deadline, where he also discussed important plot points for Seasons 6 and 7. Beyond Virgin River, Ghanimé has made a name for himself with his lead role in the Syfy series Helix and as the star of Hallmark’s holiday mystery film A Dance in the Snow.
Fans of Virgin River were introduced to Ghanimé in Season 4 when he joined the series as Dr. Cameron Hayek. Initially, his character stirred drama by trying to come between Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) after developing feelings for Mel. However, Cameron’s story took a different turn in Season 5.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Dr. Cameron Hayek in Virgin River
He evolved from being a troublemaker to someone more grounded, finding redemption as he let go of his unrequited love for Mel. This paved the way for a heartfelt romance with Muriel (Teryl Rothery), earning Cameron a place in the hearts of many viewers.
Ghanimé’s departure, while sad for fans, may not come as a complete surprise. At the end of Season 5, Cameron reconnected with his ex-fiancée, and this shift took him away from Virgin River. Throughout Season 6, his appearances were sporadic, as he spent most of his time in San Diego, working on rebuilding his relationship.
His final scene in the Season 6 finale felt like a goodbye. When Cameron turned down a dance with Muriel to return home, her poignant question, “So this is goodbye?” left viewers with a sense of closure.
Though Cameron’s role in the series has come to an end for now, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith hinted at the possibility of his return. Speaking about Ghanimé and his character, Smith said, “Cameron will always be part of our world, and I would love to see his character come back again.
He unfortunately won’t be a series regular in Season 7, but I love Mark, and I love the character, so when the opportunity presents itself, I’d love to have him back.”
Meanwhile, fans of Virgin River have plenty to look forward to. Before Season 6 premiered, Netflix renewed the series for a seventh installment in October. While there is no official release date yet, viewers can rest assured that more drama, romance, and emotional moments are on the horizon.
For now, Season 6 is streaming on Netflix, and fans can continue to enjoy the heartfelt stories and beautiful connections that make Virgin River so beloved. Whether or not Dr. Cameron Hayek returns someday, his journey will remain a cherished part of the show’s legacy.
