Fast-forward to 2026, and these two familiar faces have reunited for something completely different.
Missing the Boat takes Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha far away from a hospital at Christmas and places them in the middle of an Italian adventure.
Hallmark’s official page identifies Ullerup as Kelly and Polaha as Parker. The two characters meet aboard an Italian cruise, but after missing the ship during a stop, they’re forced to work together to catch up with it. (Hallmark Channel)
Talk about a change of scenery.
Instead of Christmas trees and hospital corridors, we get Italy, travel, unexpected obstacles, and a romantic adventure that allows both actors to show a lighter and more comedic side.
And that’s one of the most enjoyable things about seeing longtime Hallmark actors return together.
They don’t have to recreate their earlier movie.
They can bring the familiarity of their previous partnership into something entirely new.
Missing the Boat gives them the opportunity to play with humor and banter in a way that feels different from Hearts of Christmas. Reviews and audience reactions have particularly praised the chemistry between Ullerup and Polaha, with the movie’s comedy and international setting adding another layer to the romance. (Decider)
The premise itself creates plenty of room for fun.
Two people who are supposed to be enjoying a cruise suddenly find themselves trying to catch up with the very ship they were supposed to be aboard.
It turns a vacation into an adventure.
And the adventure gives the romance time to breathe.
Rather than simply moving from one romantic milestone to another, the characters have to navigate unexpected situations together. That creates opportunities for humor, frustration, teamwork, and those little moments when two people begin realizing that the person beside them might be more important than whatever destination they were originally trying to reach.
It’s also a wonderful showcase for Ullerup’s versatility.
Hallmark fans know her from Hearts of Christmas, but she’s built a career that extends well beyond one holiday romance. Hallmark notes her work in Chesapeake Shores, where she played Bree O’Brien, as well as credits including jPod, Sanctuary, Arctic Air, Nature of Love, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, and other television and film projects. (Hallmark Channel)
Polaha has similarly developed a substantial career, including Life Unexpected, Mad Men, Get Shorty, Condor, Wonder Woman 1984, and numerous Hallmark productions. Hallmark describes Missing the Boat as another addition to his long list of starring roles for the network. (Hallmark Channel)
So when you look at the two photographs from 2016 and 2025, you’re really looking at more than a “then and now.”
You’re looking at two performers who have continued evolving.
And somehow, when they’re placed together again, that familiar spark still works.
