Natasha Burnett from When Calls the Heart is the Aunt of Viv Leacock’s Children

Natasha Burnett And Viv Leacock connected immediately playing spouses on When the heart callsand her bond with her TV children has become just as special.

“I think at first I was just trying to make them feel really comfortable,” Burnett said exclusively Us weekly her on-screen children while promoting her and Leacock’s new Hallmark film, Legend of the lost medallion.

Burnett, who plays Minnie Canfield on the Hallmark Channel series, recalled having many scenes with Angela Canfield (played by). Vienna Leacock) when she joined the cast in Season 8, which aired in 2021.

“I wanted to make sure she felt like, ‘Okay, if Viv gets back to his trailer and she needs to ask a question, don’t feel like you can’t ask me and I’ll try to help.’ ”” Burnett recalled.

In the series, Minnie and Joseph Canfield (Viv) are the parents of Angela (Vienna) and Cooper (Elias Leacock). Although Burnett and Viv are not married in real life, off-camera Viv is the father of Vienna and Elias. (Viv, 49, shares his daughter and son, as well as a second son named Lennox, with his wife Divina Leacock.)

“I think because Viv felt so comfortable with me, they felt very comfortable with me,” Burnett said Us her onscreen family. “I feel like the funny aunt. I don’t know if it’s fun, but I feel like the aunt.”

The actress called Viv a “protective father” who often wonders, “Where has Elias gone?” and Burnett has taken on the role of “fun aunt,” so she replies, “Yeah, he’s fine.” He’s rolling around in the grass or something.”

Viv can only agree, she only tells the story Us that Burnett was adopted into his real brood “a long time ago.” “Both Vienna and Elias and my wife Davina and my other son Lennox love Natasha,” he said. “She’s another member of the family now. We adopted her.”

As for his own relationship with Vienna and Elias on set, Viv explained that they became professionals after their “learning curve” in Season 8. “These kids are running around wondering, ‘Hey, what’s wrong, Dad?’ Everything is good. [There’s] no problems at all. And it blows my mind to see that,” Viv explained, calling his daughter a “rock-solid” actress.

Viv continued: “She’s always up to date. She says, “Dad, you need to look at your page more.” “You need to look at your script more closely so you don’t lose any lines.” [I’m] like, ‘Yeah, Vienna.’ She keeps me going.”

The element of family is also at the forefront for the Canfields WCTHwhich began season 11 earlier this month.

“Minnie definitely has a few more irons in the fire this year. I think she’s leading a few more projects and has a few more ideas,” Natasha teased about her character’s arc. “And then, of course, there’s still a family matter that comes into play, and there’s something that starts with the children first and then sort of impacts some of Joseph’s family members.”

Minnie’s role is to “help heal old wounds,” Burnett explained as Viv narrated Us Minnie and Joseph will actually “meet a new family” this season.

“A few new people have come onto the show, [who] “I did an incredible job,” he revealed. “There are some character arcs that will change due to the new cast. That’s all I can say.”

In addition to seeing her WCTHFans can watch Burnett and Viv play love interests Legend of the lost medallion. The film premiered on Saturday, April 13, but is now streaming on Hallmark Movies Now.

In the film, Burnett plays an antique dealer named Amelia who is searching for a long-lost locket that is said to bring true love to its owner. During her search, she meets a local sheriff named Marcus (Viv), who decides to help out.

When the heart calls airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on the Hallmark Channel.