Jane Seymour Shares How Her New Holiday Movie Reflects Her Love Story with John Zambetti

From Left: John Zambetti and Jane Seymour; and Seymour in ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas’.
Credit:

Daniele Venturelli/Getty; Steffan Hill/Hallmark Media

Key Highlights

• Jane Seymour stars as a widow rediscovering love in Hallmark’s new series, Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas.
• The storyline resonates with Seymour, 74, reflecting her real-life relationship with boyfriend John Zambetti, whom she’s been dating for two years.
• New episodes air Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark.

Art is echoing life for Jane Seymour as she takes on the role of Evelyn in the upcoming Hallmark holiday series Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas. The actress, aged 74, portrays a widow navigating new romantic possibilities, a storyline that closely mirrors her own experiences. "I felt that when I read this," Seymour explained during a recent visit to the show’s set in Ireland. "I know who Evelyn is… it’s something I know."

Seymour’s character, Evelyn, encounters Mac, played by Nathaniel Parker, a divorcee facing recovery from a motorcycle injury. The chemistry between them is complicated when Mac’s ex-wife, Delilah, portrayed by Mary McDonnell, returns to their lives. Seymour expressed her understanding of this narrative twist, noting, "I thought she was kind of spunky, independent… making a life, and he’s got his ex-wife creeping up on him."

The series also reflects the experiences and emotions of many of its viewers, particularly those of age 74 or older. "I think the Hallmark audience, a lot of them are my age, and they’re vicariously living through this," she remarked. The story allows audiences to envision the possibilities of finding love later in life.

Seymour’s own journey includes four previous marriages and a recent relationship with John Zambetti, which began after their sons played matchmakers in 2023. While Seymour’s character in Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas is a widow, she notes that her understanding comes from witnessing Zambetti deal with the loss of his first wife. "I’ve never lost anyone who died on me, but I can relate to it because I know what I see him go through," she commented.

The actress also emphasized the importance of self-empowerment at this stage in life. "She’s being selfish enough to say, this is my time… and then she’s completely thrown for a loop when she actually has feelings for Mac," Seymour explained. The emotional stakes are high as she navigates the complexities of opening her heart once more.

Seymour is joined by a robust cast that includes Mae Whitman, Parker, and McDonnell, along with Julian Morris, Lucy Eaton, and Toby Sandeman. The series aims to resonate with an audience eager to explore themes of later-in-life love and the intricate dynamics that accompany it.

New episodes of Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas will premiere on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark.