Great American Family and Danica McKellar just announced their first Great American Christmas movie of 2023. As part of her multi-year deal with the network, the actress will star in Royal Christmas Ball later this December. And even better — she also helped write the script. McKellar collaborated with Hallmark screenwriter Marcy Holland to create a charming holiday story of family ties and unexpected love. And since she also serves as executive producer, it’s safe to say this film will have her signature all over it.
In Royal Christmas Ball, McKellar stars as Chelsea Shaw — a Chicago-based dance teacher longing for love and family. With both her adoptive parents dead, she decides to find out who she really is over the Christmas break. So she travels to the small European country of Havenshire to learn more about her background. And once there, Chelsea sets her sights on the royal family for all her answers. Of course, she’ll have to teach the very reluctant prince a Christmas waltz for the upcoming ball, first.
2023 is already shaping up to be a busy year for Ms. McKellar. In addition to her brand-new holiday movie, she will also be joining her former Wonder Years costars to celebrate the show’s 35th anniversary at 90s Con this March.
McKellar is one of several former Hallmark stars who made the switch over to GAF in 2021, along with Cameron Matthison and Candace Cameron Bure. Her first TV movie with the network was 2022’s The Winter Palace alongside Neal Bledsoe, which aired that January. And they both co-starred once again in Christmas at the Drive-In (pictured above) this past December. Unfortunately, after following Neal Bledsoe's public exit from the network, it is unlikely we will see Neal Bledsoe in this latest production despite a very long history with Danica McKeller that dates back to their Hallmark days.
Other executive producers on Royal Christmas Ball are Brad Krevoy, Kathy Ceroni, Kelly Martin, with David Anselmo serving as producer.
Royal Christmas Ball will be exclusively available on Great American Family later this year. And based on everything we’ve heard so far, the Elf Squad is already looking forward to this heartwarming holiday film.
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