Andrew Walker Shares Why He Nodded Tyler Hynes in ‘Christmas Island’

Andrew Walker knew fans would love him Christmas Island candy nods to friend Tyler Hynes – and it was totally a spur-of-the-moment event.

“My character is Mr. Christmas. He is all set for Christmas,” Walker, 44, said exclusively We weekly about how the scene came together on Tuesday, November 14, while exploring his collaboration with Envy apples. “I’m on set getting ready to shoot this scene, and I’m like, ‘I want to throw.’ [on more]”because I just had my jacket on in the scene.”

Walker, who plays holiday-loving Oliver MacLeod in the 2023 Hallmark movie, recalled thinking there wasn’t enough Christmas spirit in his costume.

Related: A guide (and unofficial ranking) to all of Andrew Walker’s Hallmark movies

Andrew Walker cemented himself as one of Hallmark Media’s biggest stars after making his network debut in 2012. The Canadian actor first made his mark on viewers that year with A Bride for Christmas alongside Arielle Kebbel. The pair reunited on camera for 2015’s Bridal Wave, which made Walker an even bigger name […]

“I’m like, ‘No, no, guys, this guy is, Mr. Christmas, let’s load him up with stuff. Throw a wreath around his neck or a ribbon,” he explained. “So when I had it all wrapped around my neck, I thought, ‘I’m missing something. I still feel like I need something. ”

Ultimately, Walker drew inspiration from the set itself – and his memories of 37-year-old Hynes in 2022. Three wise men and a baby. (Hynes and Walker have been friends for years and are actually related. Walker’s wife, Cassandra Troyis one of Hynes’ cousins.)

“I looked at the Christmas tree and there were some candy canes on the Christmas tree, and I immediately noticed it. I was like, ‘I’m going to give a little nod to Tyler and I’m going to chew on this thing like Tyler did in Three wise men”, said the actor Usconfirming that he knew viewers would “love anything about Tyler and I just harassing each other or making cameos with him.”

Hynes memorably chewed on a candy cane or he left the treat hanging from his mouth the whole time Three wise men and a childwith Hynes, Walker and Paul Campbell. In honor of the candy fad, Walker did his own version Christmas Island while decorating and joking about the holidays.

“After the scene [had] takes a few, [my costar] Rachel [Skarsten] turns to me and she says, “This character is the weirdest guy I’ve ever played opposite.” And I guess life imitates art in a way, because I’m a bit of a weirdo myself,” Walker joked.

In addition to his shout-out to Hynes in the film, Walker shared Us That Christmas Island holds a special place in his heart for several reasons. “Working with people in Halifax and working with the maritime crews is so great. They are such generous people and they couldn’t do enough for us,” he explained, noting that the film marks the first time Hallmark has “shot a movie in Canada for Canada and actually named the location,” which is Nova Scotia and Christmas Island.

Related: Hallmark’s Tyler Hynes and Andrew Walker’s sweetest BFF moments

Tyler Hynes and Andrew Walker have been friends for almost two decades — and Hallmark Channel fans have taken notice. “We talk weekly,” Walker told Us Weekly exclusively in February 2023 about Hynes, his wife Cassandra Troy’s cousin. ‘I have known the man for 19 years since he came to her home […]

The Sweet autumn star added: “This movie…every day felt like it was just a new adventure. [It] felt real and yet spontaneous. And I love working with actors who want to act, and Rachel was ready to dive in with me. There was something special about this movie.”

Walker called Christmas Island one of his “top three favorite” Hallmark projects, telling Us that every movie he’s done with Nikki DeLoach is “always” a top choice.

“I think A Christmas dream was a special one for us. It was our first movie that we did together, and I think the story was just very heartfelt and I just loved that movie,” he revealed as his No. 2 pick, adding that his other top movie is from Hallmark Three wise men and a baby.

Related: A guide to Hallmark Channel’s leading men

Over the years, Hallmark Channel has cemented itself as the go-to network for feel-good movies, holiday magic, and a hot lineup of leading men. Whether it’s the charmers of When Calls the Heart – including Kevin McGarry and Chris McNally – or the heroes of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries franchise, fans always have an eye on things […]

Three wise men is so iconic that it will be offered extensively on the network this holiday season. The upcoming screening, which airs Monday, November 27 on Hallmark Movies Now, will also feature a cameo from Envy Apples, thanks to Walker’s recent partnership with the product brand.

“I’ve also done a few easter eggs with Envy Apples in other movies I’ve done – I just have them on set and stuff like that, but they’ll actually be called out in the movie. Three wise men,” Walker shared Us of the collaboration. ‘You see the Envy brand. How cool is that? It’s just amazing that they’re already so integrated into the Hallmark brand and that they’re going to showcase the product in one of probably my most beloved Hallmark movies. I am very happy that they are involved.”

Learn more about Envy Apples on the brand’s website.

With reporting by Johnni Macke