VIRGIN RIVER season four is bound to bring a fresh batch of challenges to Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan’s romance – but will an obstacle in the form of a new character prove one too many for them to overcome?

The fourth and fifth seasons of Virgin River are already in the pipeline with filming well underway on the highly-anticipated next run. There are a number of loose ends to tie up given the third season finale on Netflix – from Mel (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack’s (Martin Henderson) future, Charmaine’s (Lauren Hammersley) baby drama, Hope (Annette O’Toole) and Doc’s (Tim Matheson) health woes, and the uncertainty surrounding Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) safety. However, the latest casting news has sparked concern from the fandom that Jack and Mel may face their biggest test to their romance yet in season four.

It’s safe to say Mel and Jack’s relationship has been far from plain sailing over the course of the Netflix series’ first three seasons.

With Mel grieving for her late ex-husband Mark (Daniel Gillies), Jack dealing with ex Charmaine’s revelation she’s pregnant with his twins, and a rejected proposal in the season three finale – the pair are used to roadblock after roadblock.

But in season four, a new face will be arriving into Virgin River to work closely alongside Mel – perhaps throwing another spanner in the works if a behind the scenes clip shared to the show’s Instagram is anything to go by.

It’s been confirmed that actor Mark Ghanimé will be joining the cast as Dr Cameron Hayek.

He’s described as the town’s new dashing, heartthrob physician who easily catches the eye thanks to his good looks and quick-witted charm.

News of Ghanimé’s introduction as a series regular was announced at the same time as Kai Bradbury’s promotion following his fleeting cameo in season three.

Bradbury plays Denny Cutler, Doc’s long-lost grandson who appeared briefly last season after tracking down his grandfather.

And to celebrate the casting news, Breckenridge and Ghanimé joined each over for a playful break from filming in a clip shared to the show’s Instagram page.

Dancing along to Montell Jordan’s hit This Is How We Do It, the Virgin River stars show off their moves as the makeup department try to apply some finishing touches outside Doc’s practice.

And while the clip lifted spirits on the set, many of the fandom quickly expressed their fears at the chemistry the two characters may share,

In response to the clip, fan account @virginriveredits said: “Welcome, but stay away from mel, thank u bestie.” (Sic)

“Uh oh. I see what’s going to happen,” @houseofsquirrels added while @zamahinay1516 also expressed their concern: “Oh nooooo this is going to be rivals! I already see it.

“Does jack have competition…oh no.!?” @dawnsafar echoed while @regianemorais_ warned: “Watch out, Jack!”

Instagram user @lunablossom614 added: “He better not come between you and Jack!!”

While @lucianacoliveira feared: “Open your eyes Jack! Dr Cameron is going to steal your Mel.”

So with fans tipping Mel’s eye to be caught by the newcomer, what could it mean for her romance with Jack?

The pair are already on the rocks after Jack’s proposal in the final moments of season three was interrupted by Mel’s revelation that she’s pregnant.

Desperate for a family of her own, Mel had visited a clinic back in California to try and conceive using her late husband’s DNA.

So even if Jack and Mel survive the proposal ordeal and the pregnancy bombshell, a love triangle with Dr Hayek could prove one step too far.