Netflix has spilled the beans on the upcoming seventh season of Virgin River, hinting at significant changes ahead.

The latest series, which has just completed filming, took its production beyond the usual Vancouver, Canada setting, making an intriguing detour to Mexico – a move that's sure to spark speculation among fans.

Considering the show's namesake is the quaint town of Virgin River and its environs, this geographical shift marks a notable departure from tradition.

Speculation is rife that the show's beloved couple, Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) and Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), might be enjoying their honeymoon south of the border, given the Mexican jaunt.

Moreover, this excursion could introduce fresh plot twists to the series, which is no stranger to stirring up drama.

In a tantalising preview, Netflix shared insights from Virgin River's showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, who disclosed: "Season seven will find Mel and Jack taking their first steps into marriage as they start to plan for and build a life and family together.

"Meanwhile, Doc and Hope will work together to protect the clinic and the integrity of the town from outsiders."

This revelation raises questions about the identity of these 'outsiders' and whether they hail from Mexico or somewhere nearer.

Amidst these developments, the new instalment will follow Jack and Mel as they navigate the early stages of matrimony with aspirations of starting a family.

The couple were left in a state of uncertainty, appearing to be on the brink of parenthood after enduring much heartache, including Mel's tragic baby loss.

Despite their newlywed bliss, they will encounter hurdles as they manage the farm together.

Furthermore, fresh faces are set to join the cast for the seventh series, including Sara Canning from The Vampire Diaries, who will play Victoria, a former police officer shot in the line of duty and now working as an investigator for the state medical board.

Virgin River will also welcome Cody Kearsley from Riverdale and Daybreak, portraying Clay, a rugged young man with a past in the rodeo circuit.

Clay and his younger sister were raised in foster care, but he hasn't seen her since their teenage years and is desperately seeking her.

Many of the key cast members will return, including Tim Matheson, Annette O'Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Kai Bradbury, and Kandyse McClure.

News of filming in Mexico follows Netflix's announcement about the future of the beloved series, confirming its renewal for an eighth season, even before the premiere of the seventh.

Virgin River has become the longest-running live-action scripted series on the streaming platform, surpassing both Orange Is The New Black and Grace and Frankie.

Netflix's Tudum received a heartfelt statement from Smith, who expressed: "On behalf of myself and the whole Virgin River family, we're eternally grateful to Netflix and to the fans for allowing us to continue on this journey with these beloved characters."

Virgin River enthusiasts can buckle up for another 10 episodes in season eight, promising a bounty of unexpected developments.

Anticipation will need to be tempered for the eighth instalment, as the seventh series has only just wrapped up filming and is set to enter post-production.

Unfortunately, there's no confirmed release date for season seven yet, with Breckenridge teasing her Instagram followers with a poll guessing if the show might land in 2025.

Adding to the intrigue, Breckenridge posted a mysterious video flaunting her costume, hinting that Mel could be donning her nurse's uniform once more.

Debuting before the world was hit by the pandemic in 2019, Virgin River, inspired by Robin Carr's novels, has since soared in popularity.

The series has captivated audiences with its charming and compelling narratives, diverging from its literary roots to establish its unique plotlines.

Virgin River is streaming on Netflix now