Behind the Scenes: Discover the Untold Love Story of Katie Cassidy and Stephen Huszar in Hallmark’s ‘A Royal Christmas Crush’

Katie Cassidy and Stephen Huszar have shared their reasons for keeping their budding romance under wraps during the filming of their new Hallmark movie, A Royal Family Christmas.

“Although we were professional on set, there was a certain intrigue knowing that we had this secret connection that nobody else knew about,” Cassidy, 36, exclusively revealed to We magazine while promoting the film. “It allowed us to let our guards down when our characters required it, creating a genuine bond between us. It was inevitable, we couldn't resist.”

The two actors appear together in the holiday film, which will premiere on Saturday, July 8, as part of Hallmark's Christmas in July event. The plot revolves around Ava (Cassidy) who gets an amazing opportunity to work at the Royal Ice Hotel and unexpectedly falls in love with the most significant guest, Prince Henry (Huszar).

Although they started filming as strangers, Cassidy described the immediate connection and chemistry she felt with Huszar.

"It is essential to maintain a professional demeanor. However, emotions can arise," Huszar agreed. "Personally, it allows me to connect more deeply with the truth. Our job is to be as authentic as possible in these extraordinary and surreal circumstances. But when something genuinely resonates within, it undoubtedly aids in that pursuit."

Cassidy, who recently confirmed her real-life relationship with the Chesapeake Shores actor, shared her initial apprehensions about working closely with another attractive Canadian actor named Stephen. (Cassidy played alongside Stephen Amell, a Canadian actor, on The CW's Arrow from 2012 to 2015 as Laurel Lance. She later reprised her role as Black Canary.)

Courtesy of Hallmark Media

Stephen [Amell] and I were as close as siblings, but after the first week, I felt like I was in my own little world," she revealed to Us. She then shared that it was Huszar's crystal bracelets that caught her attention, as she has a strong affinity for crystals. "I was intrigued and asked him, 'What do you know about these crystals and why do you have them? There's definitely something going on here,'" she confided.

In the barn scene, I vividly remember looking at him and that was the moment that had a profound impact on me. It may sound unbelievable, but I was literally leaning on the table as he delivered his lines, and I felt like I was about to collapse. It was during this scene that both of us began to realize our feelings for each other, just 30 seconds apart.

Our connection deepened when we discovered our shared sense of humor. I played a prank on Huszar along with the rest of the cast and crew, making everyone speak in British accents on set. This brought a lot of laughter and fun to the set. Perhaps my British accent charmed him a little. Additionally, I insisted everyone address him as Prince Henry, rather than his real name, Stephen.

After wrapping up filming, the couple embarked on a world tour, indulging in quality time together. "We recently explored Europe, New Zealand, and Australia," Huszar disclosed. Despite encountering the misfortune of losing their luggage, Cassidy highlighted that they made the most of their adventures in various destinations.

Although Huszar disclosed that there are future travel plans in store for the couple, they are currently taking advantage of the summer season to relax and revel in their love. "We are currently settling in and will likely continue our travels afterward," he added.

A Royal Christmas Crush premieres on Hallmark Saturday, July 8, at 8 p.m. ET.