I do believe in the past few years, I have interviewed more of the “other woman” actresses than the leading ladies in Hallmark movies and shows, and I must admit that is an exciting discovery for me. As the champion of the supporting cast who is often overlooked, I adore chatting with the “mean girls,” the “rich snobs,” and the “pseudo-villains.” It just so happens that in season one of Chesapeake Shores, the Chessies were introduced to the talents of Brittany Willacy as she portrayed Trace’s “former girlfriend,” Leigh. Though Leigh received the unmitigated wrath of those who were certain this seemingly mean-spirited woman was attempting to rip Trace away from his rekindled romance with Abby, by the time season two arrived, most of the Chessies were willing to accept the fact that Leigh was only there for the band. But like any former girlfriend/band member, Leigh was still a bit suspect regarding her true intentions toward Trace Riley. Yet again, Brittany rode out the storm as a character that Chessies continued to berate and disparage. Furthermore, the finale of season two was a bit up in the air as far as Abby and Trace were concerned.  Currently, in season three of Chesapeake Shores, Leigh has returned, and again, Brittany is undividedly thrilled to be portraying this role that incorporates her love of acting and music. While some Chessies may still wish Leigh would “hit the road,” there is no doubt that the gifted and vivacious Brittany has made a genuine connection with the fans of this popular Hallmark show.

RH: Brittany, it is so nice to be able to finally talk with you! 

BW: No kidding! It’s been two years of chatting via email, and it’s cool to finally get the chance to connect with you this way.

Now, in this season of Chesapeake Shores, how many episodes will we see your character, Leigh, appear?

I am in six episodes this season. Just so the Chessies can find me, I’m in episodes 3001, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3009 and 3010.

I think it’s so great that they’ve kept you around all this time, Brittany.

Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it! Honestly, it blows my mind!

Well, we know that Trace’s band is doing pretty well, and I just don’t see Leigh as much of a threat anymore to Abby and Trace’s relationship. Are people still thinking you’re after Trace after all this time?

I’m not so sure anymore. We’ve definitely gone away from that over the past two seasons. It’s way more buddy-buddy. Like, “We’re here for the music, the band, and the camaraderie.” The romance has not been addressed. I think in season one, Leigh came on pretty strong.

Oh, yeah, I remember that! Many of the fans absolutely hated your character!

{laughs} Oh, yeah, I remember reading what people were saying. “She does what?!” And in their defense, I mean, what kind of crazy person breaks into a guy’s house?

But it seems like she’s mellowed some. And I’m just glad they’ve kept you and the band around.

It’s been a lot of fun, I tell you, Ruth. We have so much fun doing the band stuff.

I can imagine. After all, you’re a musician. Jesse {Metcalfe} is a musician. I think there’s only one person in the band who isn’t a musician.

Yes, Bradley {Stryker}. And he kills me. He’s so funny. He’s gotten way better at holding that bass guitar. He’s the only one without any musical training. But in addition to Jesse and me, Brian Higgins and Andrew Halliwell are also members of the band, and they are both excellent, serious musicians in their own right.  In fact, Andrew runs Tiger Mountain Studios on Vancouver Island!

I think you guys are really unbelievable musicians, except for Brad, of course. 

Well, thank you. I think Brad gets a little bit of guff from his bass player friends, but honestly, he holds his own. And with bass players, it’s kind of on the face. You’ve got to sell it with the groove and move with the rhythm, and Brad’s got that down.

Back to Leigh, it seems like she understands that Trace is off limits. I don’t know how the rest of the season will go, and I don’t want you to spoil it. But from what we’ve seen, beginning season two, there was an episode where Trace made things very clear about his relationship with Abby. 

Yes, Trace made sure that Leigh realized this was all about the music. He told Leigh that he was here to write with her and sing with her, but there was not going to be a future relationship between the two of them. And I think that’s continued into season three. Trace seems to have done a good job of compartmentalizing those two parts of his life.

To be honest, I think Leigh is always going to have that hidden crush on Trace. How hidden that crush stays is up to the writers to decide. But I think there’s always that tug on the heartstrings for her, and I think you see that featured in some of the season three episodes. But at the same time, I think she recognizes that it’s not worth it for her to jeopardize the friendship she and Trace have nor the future of the band. To her, the band is first and foremost.

I also think it’s good to remember that as far as we know, Leigh didn’t know about Abby in the beginning. Once she realized Abby was in the picture and wasn’t going anywhere, I think Leigh was able to step back and be a bit more respectful and give some space to that emerging relationship.

Brittany, I think you answered that really well, and you’re absolutely right. If you stop and think about it, Leigh and Trace couldn’t have gone through all that they did together and there not be at least something. I mean, maybe not romance.

Right, I think there is a lot of love there, but I feel that it’s a family kind of love. When you travel and tour with people, you end up developing a relationship with the members of the band like you’re brothers or sisters. In a way, you probably get to know way more about them than you ever wanted to know. But there’s definitely a love there. Whether or not it’s romantic, that remains to be seen.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I would enjoy seeing a love interest for Leigh. 

Photo: Brittany Willacy Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Farah Nosh

How fun would that be?! I know that would add a heck of a lot more characters, but I’m down for that! Still I’m just so glad that they added in Bradley Stryker’s character, John Rawl, because I think having him around adds more to the story. There’s another friend around, and there’s a bit more for everyone to bounce off of. So that makes it a lot more fun, I think. At least in terms of the scene work, it’s a bit more jovial for Leigh.

I was glad to see Jerry Trimble come back as well. I wasn’t sure if we’d see him this season, and there he was!

Oh yeah, great to have Jerry and then the addition of the character Donovan Wylie who is played by Kent Sheridan. Those two are just dynamic forces. Holy smokes, I just love watching Jerry work!

For me, it was just great to see so much of the cast coming back. 

I think we were all really happy to see each other again. It’s such an incredible workplace. The whole set and the way they put us up. The whole team and everything is just such a wonderful experience. We were all over the moon to be back again. It felt like a big reunion.

Sometimes with shows like this, when you have so many characters, there are never any guarantees that you will be back. But all the writers seem to really be trying to make sure that as much of the cast comes back as possible. And I applaud them for that. I love seeing Trace’s mom and dad on occasion {Karen Kruper and Tom Butler}.

Yeah, I love when Sally {Carmen Moore} is around too. She’s so fantastic every time I get to see her work and work with her. Sometimes I’ll think that she’s not in it enough, but she’s still around and has been since season one. It is nice that they keep writing for all us minor characters. We are definitely grateful for that. I love getting thrown back into the mix.

So if I understand correctly, we will actually see you in the finale, correct?

Yes, that’s right. There are still going to be a couple more twists and turns with the Trace Riley Band. In one of the most recent episodes, we saw Abby come on tour with the band, and we had to maneuver through that. I can promise you that it is definitely an exciting finale. In fact, the rest of the season is pretty cool as well.

I’ve definitely been enjoying the season. 

What has been your favorite part so far?

I really love the stories with Jess {Laci J. Mailey} and David. And also Bree and Simon. I was so glad they brought Carlo Marks and Oliver Rice back. I wasn’t sure at the end of last season. I also love Connor {Andrew Francis} and the fact that he is maturing. 

I remember reading the script for Connor’s character. Just wait. In an episode or two, you are going to see some incredible dialogue from Connor. Watching Andrew Francis do his thing is pretty dang cool. Connor’s character definitely grows a lot this season.

I know our hearts are breaking for Connor because he had to break up with his girlfriend, but…

Just you wait. But the actresses I really love watching are the girls who play Caitlyn and Carrie {Abbie and Kayden Magnuson}. I have gotten to watch them grow up over the past three years, and these little actresses are just wonderful. They literally blow me away! And they are just so fun to be around on set. They bring such a great energy.

I agree. And I have loved watching Jesse with those girls. Some of my favorite scenes are him with the girls. 

I think those are some of my favorite scenes too. He’s playing a step-dad to them, and it’s so much fun to see them working together.

Honestly, there are times that I think I just can’t love the show anymore, and then they throw in something that is just so incredible! And then I find that I am so looking forward to the next episode. In fact, one of my friends has a guest spot this season in the series, Giles Panton. 

Oh, I love Giles! He’s great! Isn’t he wonderful? He plays a really fun character this season.

He told me I might not like his character. 

Well, I say you’re going to really like his character or you may not. I can guarantee though that his character is going to make you laugh! {laughs} I got to be in one scene where he was in it too, and it was pretty fun to watch.

I’m sure it will be fun to see him. But his career right now is totally on fire! Every time I turn around, he’s booking something new. In fact, I understand we’ll see a lot of him at Christmas. And he’s also in season three of The Man In the High Castle, which premieres next month. 

Well, he’s a hard-working actor. Both he and his wife {Jocelyn Panton} are hard-working actors. I work in casting too on the side, and every time they come in, they both just nail it. They are simply excellent. I’m glad to hear how well Giles is doing. It’s nice when hard work pays off.

Me too. I’ve been following his career since he was on Cedar Cove, and I know how hard he has been working. And he’s also one that I am proud to call friend. And I know that my friend, Kate Isaac, is in the season as well. 

Oh yes, I have had the pleasure of getting to know her just a little bit better this year. She’s just lovely! And she’s married to an excellent acting teacher, Aaron Craven.

Yep, I know him too! 

You know it’s a small world once you’re kind of in it in Vancouver. Kate’s character on the show is a very interesting character. I’m excited to see how the fans react to her.

Yes, I interviewed Michael Karl Richards again this year, and I understand they share scenes together this season. 

Oh yes, you’ll just have to wait and see how all that unfolds. There’s no shortage of those interesting characters that come in just to put a little wrench in things and make things a little bit uncomfortable, so that the characters have to look at themselves and their relationships. The writers are really good about that.

Yes, and Teryl Rothery came in this season too. 

All these wonderful people this season. It’s almost like a bit of a reunion.

Now in addition to Chesapeake Shores, are you going back to pursuing your music career?

I’m not pursuing a traditional music career. Music and touring took me away from acting for a couple of years, and I really enjoyed the experience. I got to go all across Canada and play in some amazing cities, but my first love is acting. The life of a touring musician is something that I’m not sure is for me in the long-term. I definitely miss performing. It’s cool with my role on Chesapeake because I get a taste of it again, but it’s still not quite the same as a whole live performance.

I am writing music right now. As a matter of fact, I’m writing a musical feature film. I’ve been trying to write it for a while now. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the idea of producing a movie. That’s been one of my lifelong dreams. So I do have goals that involve music, but it’s evolving right now. As I look at my piano, I don’t know what I’d do without it. It’s definitely a part of my life. I need my musical release for my own peace of mind. But recently, a buddy of mine reached out asking about getting the band back together. So who knows what direction I’ll go? I’m not going to write it off completely, that’s for sure.

Something I think all of the fans, including me, would like to see is you in a Christmas film. 

I would love that! I hope that the Hallmark fans haven’t written off horrible Leigh Corley. I would really love to be in a Christmas movie because I think it would amazing to be a part of one. I grew up watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I got a lot of joy from them, and I plan to keep auditioning. Eventually, the right one will come along. I don’t even know how many Christmas movies and other Hallmark movies will be filmed here in Vancouver this year and next year, but Hallmark has year after year brought this city project after project. We are all definitely grateful for Hallmark.

Now, as far as your character Leigh, I don’t think you’ve been completely written off. Maybe the fans don’t always like your character in Chesapeake Shores, but it doesn’t mean that the fans wouldn’t want to see you in a different capacity in a Hallmark movie. There are other actors who have played “hated” roles, and they have gone on to play some of the most beloved roles in wonderful Hallmark movies. A perfect example of this is Marcus Rosner. Do you know him?

You know, I think me and him worked together in a restaurant in our early acting days. We were both bartenders at a lounge.

{laughs} That’s amazing! He’s the perfect example of one who went from despised, rich snob who was trying to steal Elizabeth away from Jack in season two of When Calls the Heart to finally being the leading man who gets the girl in Yes, I Do with Jen Lilley. In so many ways, the fans were a huge reason that role happened for Marcus at last. So maybe the fans can start requesting that Hallmark put you in a movie.

If the fans did that, I would be so grateful. Honestly, Hallmark fans and the Chessies are just so wonderful.

Maybe Hallmark would even add some music to the movie and have you sing.

That would be a dream come true!

Well, Hallmark is starting to add more and more music to their movies, so maybe it would be a perfect time for them to cast you. And then we would be able to see you in a different role and a different light rather than just Leigh, the singer who’s trying to steal Trace away from Abby.

I would totally love that. I have always thought of music as a unifier.

So true. Music plays such an integral part in Chesapeake Shores. 

I agree. And there are so many incredibly talented musicians here in Vancouver. It would be so great to get a chance to be featured in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Or any other Hallmark movie.

True. It’s not just Christmas anymore. If there’s a holiday or season, Hallmark has it covered. And many of the Chesapeake Shores cast members went on to do Christmas movies last year. Andrew Francis, Emilie Ullerup, Barbara Niven, Treat Williams, and of course, Jesse Metcalfe.

That is exactly right. As a side note, I hope the fans realize just how amazing Jesse Metcalfe is to work with.

That doesn’t surprise me. I tend to think of Jesse as someone who can do it all. 

That’s true. Whatever he puts his mind to, he does. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody like him before. He is so fun to work with. He is a very giving actor. Having scenes with somebody who is as good as he is makes your job a whole lot easier. Excellence in acting requires effective reacting, and when someone gives you so much, you can kind of put all your preparation aside and just go with it because of how focused they are. It makes for great on-screen chemistry or connection while you’re working.

He’s also so funny. Honestly, he makes me laugh. Sometimes I am in stitches on set with him. He really knows how to keep the morale. He’s such a big personality. But he has these side-splitting antics. We just have a blast when we’re working. You can tell that he really loves working on the show. You hear about some actors who just do it for the paycheck or they’re just there because they feel like they have to be. Jesse is not like that. He is so present. And he is so creatively involved, and you can tell that his heart is really in it. It shows, and it makes it such a joy to work with him. It’s such a dream gig from top to bottom.

That’s great to hear, Brittany. I think I kind of sensed what an incredible professional Jesse is, but I don’t know if I would have necessarily guessed that he had such a great sense of humor. 

He is hilarious! And he is so smart. And he is able to improvise really well. He’s got such a wicked sharp sense of humor, and he’s a brilliant guy.

Wow, Brittany, you have said so many nice things about Jesse. Maybe he should pay you for all that great publicity. {laughs}

{laughs} Right! I’ll take my fifteen percent cut, thank you!

No, I know you were genuine in what you said.

It’s really true. They don’t make them like Jesse Metcalfe anymore. He works hard to keep in shape. But in addition to that, his depth is real. He’s an all-around great human.

You know, I think I sense that about everyone connected with the show, but I can certainly tell there is something very charismatic about Jesse. Seriously, as a viewer, you cannot help but watch him when he’s on screen. My eyes are always drawn to him. Not that he’s trying to draw the attention to himself. 

Right, that’s just who he is.

In so many ways, he’s almost bigger than life.

And that’s how he is in real life.

Wow, Brittany, I think we have covered so much today! You are just a joy to chat with, and I thank you for your time. I’m very much looking forward to seeing Leigh’s continued journey on Chesapeake Shores and fingers crossed that you get a role in a Hallmark Christmas movie!

Ruth, thank you so much for your continued support. You have no idea how much it means. And to all the fans, thank you for watching. Enjoy the rest of season three, and here’s hoping for season four!

While I am accustomed to actors highlighting their fellow co-stars, Brittany may now hold the record in this department for most co-stars mentioned in an interview, and that is a distinction for which she should be exultant! Furthermore, her enthusiasm and admiration when naming each of her fellow actors and musicians sincerely flowed from her innermost being with such an infectious spark that I found myself cherishing each person even more than I had previously. Brittany was not one to attract any attention to herself; on the contrary, it was all about everyone else with whom she was honored to work and/or share the stage. Moreover, her affection for the Hallmark network is deeply rooted within her soul, and I definitely hope that this working relationship she has fostered within the community will continue to provide her with sensational opportunities to demonstrate her genuine prowess in the multitudinous facets of the performing arts.

If you have not been watching and/or noticing Brittany’s character in the current season of Chesapeake Shores which airs on the Hallmark Channel Sunday nights in the U.S. (Super Channel Heart & Home in Canada), please join us for the second half of the season and feel free to catch up on past seasons on Netflix, Hallmark Movies Now, and other various video streaming platforms. Additionally, please visit Brittany at all her links below and consider bolstering this accomplished, generous, and exceptional lady as she continues to bless us fans with her genuine expertise. I sincerely pray that Hallmark will consider casting her in a Christmas movie this year (or maybe another holiday movie in the near future) because if there is one woman who has demonstrated her genuine competence, her pragmatic mentality, and her appreciative outlook, it is Brittany. Indeed, I am particularly gratified that my commitment to the “minor characters” in Chesapeake Shores has afforded me the opportunity to know such a supreme talent and lady, and I am delighted to share her with all of my readers today!

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