Jane Seymour Says Her Real-Life Love Story Inspired Her New Hallmark Christmas Role

Key Points

• Jane Seymour stars in Hallmark’s new holiday series Twelve Dates ’Til Christmas, which premiered in late 2024.
• The series is based on Jenni Bayliss’ novel and follows a widow who finds unexpected romance.
• Seymour says the storyline mirrors her own experience of finding love later in life.
• The actor is currently in a relationship with John Zambetti, whom she met through their sons in 2023.
• Seymour believes the show resonates with Hallmark’s core audience, many of whom relate to mature love stories.

Jane Seymour Connects Deeply With Her Latest Holiday Role

Jane Seymour is bringing personal truth to her newest Hallmark project. The acclaimed actor stars in Twelve Dates ’Til Christmas, a festive romance that debuted on the Hallmark Channel in late 2024. Seymour plays Evelyn, a widow who unexpectedly finds love again—an emotional arc she says closely reflects her own life.

The series, adapted from Jenni Bayliss’ novel, blends holiday warmth with a heartfelt exploration of second chances.

A Storyline That Mirrors Seymour’s Own Journey

In the series, Evelyn meets Mac, a divorced man whose complicated past—including an ex‑wife who reenters the picture—adds tension to their budding romance. Set against a picturesque Irish backdrop, the story captures the vulnerability and excitement of rediscovering love later in life.

Seymour told People that the role felt “authentic,” explaining that she understands the emotional terrain her character navigates. “The dynamic of two older people connecting is my own story,” she shared, noting the nerves and joy that come with opening one’s heart again.

Her real-life relationship with musician John Zambetti, whom she began dating in 2023 after being introduced by their sons, adds a genuine warmth to her performance.

Why Hallmark Viewers Will Relate

Seymour believes the series will resonate strongly with Hallmark’s audience, many of whom are in her age group and may see their own experiences reflected in Evelyn’s journey. The show explores universal themes—fear of heartbreak, the courage to be vulnerable, and the hope of finding love again.

Hallmark has long embraced stories of renewal and connection, and Seymour’s grounded performance brings emotional depth to the network’s signature holiday charm.

A Continued Partnership With Hallmark

Twelve Dates ’Til Christmas marks another chapter in Seymour’s ongoing relationship with Hallmark, where she has become a familiar face in seasonal programming. The series blends cozy holiday storytelling with a mature, relatable romance—an approach designed to appeal to longtime viewers.

What Happens Next?

As the holiday season continues, Twelve Dates ’Til Christmas is expected to draw strong viewership from fans of heartfelt, uplifting romance. Seymour’s performance—rooted in her own late‑in‑life love story—adds authenticity that sets the series apart. For audiences seeking a warm, hopeful holiday watch, this one is poised to become a seasonal favorite.