Janel Parrish and Parker Young Share the Hilarious Reason Hallmark’s “Christmas on Duty” Was a ‘Growing Experience’ (Exclusive)

Janel Parrish and Parker Young Star in Hallmark’s “Christmas on Duty” (Exclusive)

Two beloved actors, Janel Parrish and Parker Young, are teaming up to spread holiday cheer in Hallmark Channel’s latest Christmas movie, “Christmas on Duty.” The film follows the story of two military members who, despite being rivals, are forced to work together to ensure Christmas celebrations go smoothly for the children on their base. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Parrish and Young share their experiences working on the film and the significance of honouring military families.

Parrish, known for her role in “Pretty Little Liars,” revealed that portraying a character that honours military families held a special place in her heart as her own sister serves in the military. She expressed how meaningful it was for her to represent and pay tribute to these families on screen. Similarly, Young, who has played military roles in the past, expressed his deep respect for service members and shared that playing a service member is always a privilege for him.

The actors highlighted the camaraderie and chemistry they developed on set, emphasizing the importance of building a strong connection with their co-star. Young recalled their first meeting, where they instantly clicked and spent a memorable evening getting to know each other. Parrish echoed this sentiment, emphasising how their natural chemistry made their work effortless and enjoyable.

Despite the considerable height difference between the actors, they found creative solutions to overcome this challenge during filming. Parrish jokingly mentioned using apple boxes to adjust their heights for certain scenes, adding a touch of humour to their on-screen dynamic. The duo also shared insights into filming action sequences, recounting funny moments and blooper reel-worthy mishaps that added to the fun on set.

Young confessed to being naturally competitive, a characteristic that sometimes spilled over into their game nights off-camera. Parrish, on the other hand, described herself as competitive with a focus on self-improvement. Their dynamic on set reflected these personalities, with Young jokingly admitting that losing to Parrish in a scene was a valuable learning experience for him.

Reflecting on the magic of making Hallmark movies, Parrish expressed her joy and gratitude for being a part of such heartwarming projects. With “Christmas on Duty” marking her tenth Hallmark film, she highlighted the positive and inclusive environment fostered by the network, which contributes to the overall charm of these feel-good movies. Young playfully asked Parrish about her favourite co-star, to which she affectionately replied that he had secured a spot in her top list due to their incredible experience working together.

“Christmas on Duty” promises to be a delightful festive treat for viewers, blending heartwarming moments with comedic exchanges and touching tributes to military families. The film premieres on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, offering a perfect start to the holiday season for audiences looking for a heartening story of teamwork and Christmas spirit.