After the 2016 release of Autumn in the Vineyard, the film expanded with a collection of follow-ups starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny. Following the release of its third and final instalment, Brendan spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about potentially reprising his character Nate DeLuca.
Brendan Penny is a familiar face on the Hallmark Channel as he frequently stars as the lead on the network’s popular rom-com.
As well as his role in A Dash of Love and Chesapeake Shores, Brendan also fronted the In the Vineyard film series.
The films kicked off with Autumn in the Vineyard, which followed Nate and Frankie Baldwin (Rachael Leigh Cook) who learn they both have ownership of Sorrento Farm.
However, as they both have a strained history they were forced to divide the vineyard and compete against each other at the annual Autumn Harvest Festival.
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Frankie and Nate were the son and daughter of feuding families who were forced to work alongside one another as they resolved their property disputes.
By the 2017 release of Summer in the Vineyard, Frankie and Nate were a couple and preparing for the Summer Fest, which was the town’s largest event.
However, they were met with a major setback when they discovered an issue with their wines.
In 2019’s Valentine in the Vineyard, the couple were officially engaged but agreed to keep their plans secret to celebrate Lexi’s (Tegan Moss) and Marco’s (Marcus Rosner) big day.
As the film series came to an end with the 2019 release, Brendan told Express.co.uk it’s unlikely to be reprised for a new instalment.
When quizzed on Nate’s return, the actor shut down the thought as he responded: “Nate? No, I don’t think so.”
Brendan praised his co-star and admitted “I mean, those were so fun to do and Rachael Leigh Cook is another person that’s just so lovely.
“She’s so good and funny, she was a dream to work with as well.”
He explained: “But as far as those movies, no.
“I mean, my friends sent me a text when I turned 40, he said, ‘What’s your next movie isn’t going to be nursing home in the vineyards?’ So maybe Nate’s a little past his prime.”
While he’s unlikely to reprise his role as Nate, Brendan lifted the lid on his love for starring in romantic comedies.
The star stated: “It’s fun to play, I like the transition of where you’re not really sure of the person or you don’t like them in the beginning or just unaware of how you feel about them, then to kind of play that light flirting.
“And it really lends the opportunity to find comedic beats in a lot of them,” Brendan added.
Thankfully for fans, Brendan’s starring roles often return to the GREAT! Romance Channel.
Fans will also be able to see him portray executive chef Paul Dellucci on A Dash of Love, who befriends aspiring Nikki Turner (Jen Lilley).
GREAT! Romance is available on Freeview 52, Freesat 303, Sky 319 and Virgin 424.
