Hallmark’s New Leading Man Revealed in Finding Mr. Christmas Finale

Hallmark’s newest reality TV sensation, *Finding Mr. Christmas*, has crowned its first-ever winner, Ezra Moreland. The series, which is Hallmark’s inaugural venture into reality competition television, featured ten men competing in festive challenges to showcase their acting abilities and holiday spirit.

Moreland, a 31-year-old model and former Navy rescue diver from San Diego, emerged victorious, earning the coveted title of Mr. Christmas and a leading role in an upcoming Hallmark holiday movie. This article delves into the journey of the contestants, the unique challenges they faced, and the heartwarming finale that left viewers eagerly anticipating Moreland’s debut in *Happy Howlidays*.

The Journey to Becoming Mr. Christmas

The path to becoming Mr. Christmas was no easy feat. Contestants were put through a series of festive challenges designed to test their holiday spirit and acting chops.

From ice skating and ballroom dancing to a shirtless photo shoot with puppies, the men had to prove their versatility and charm in various scenarios. The stakes were high as each challenge brought them closer to the ultimate prize—a leading role in a Hallmark holiday movie.

Challenges That Tested Their Limits

One of the most daunting tasks was the first acting challenge, where contestants had to compete for the attention of a Hallmark leading lady. Moreland admitted that this challenge broke him down a bit, but it was a turning point in his journey.

*From that point forward, I knew I had to take it step by step,* he reflected. Fellow finalist Elijah Malcomb echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty of grounding oneself amid the nerves and pressure.

A Supportive and Positive Atmosphere

Despite the competition, the atmosphere on the show was notably supportive. Hayden Maher, another finalist, highlighted the lack of egos and animosity among the contestants.

*Most reality shows are based around intense conflict, but with this, we ended up with ten guys in a space with no nasty words to each other,* he shared. This camaraderie was a testament to the true sentiment behind the Hallmark brand, which focuses on positivity and heartwarming moments.

The Finale: A Heartwarming Conclusion

The season finale was a nail-biting experience for both the contestants and the viewers. Moreland, Maher, and Malcomb faced one final acting challenge that included a traditional Hallmark kiss with network star Nikki DeLoach.

The anticipation was palpable as they awaited the announcement of the winner. When Moreland was crowned Mr. Christmas, he was still in shock, admitting that he was trying to process the win even thirty minutes after the announcement.

Reflections from the Finalists

Moreland’s journey was filled with moments of self-doubt and nervousness, but he persevered by taking each challenge step by step. Reflecting on his experience, he shared that the first acting challenge was the most nerve-wracking, but it also gave him a rush of accomplishment.

*I’d settled myself and I’d done it. That felt pretty great,* he recalled. Maher, although the runner-up, felt that the experience was life-changing and fulfilling. *I got to meet all these great guys and do all this amazing stuff,* he said, emphasizing the positive impact of the show on his life.

Mentorship and Guidance

Nikki DeLoach, who mentored the finalists in the final episode, expressed her love for guiding new actors.

*If you’ve been in this business long enough, you have had more failures than successes. You’ve been told no, way more than you’ve ever been told yes,* she advised, highlighting the resilience needed in the acting industry. Her mentorship added a valuable layer of support and encouragement for the contestants.

Looking Ahead: Moreland’s Future with Hallmark

As the winner of *Finding Mr. Christmas*, Moreland has secured a leading role in the upcoming Hallmark movie *Happy Howlidays*. The film centers on Max, a dog shelter owner in Seattle, who falls for Mia, a meticulous webpage editor played by Jessica Lowndes.

This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Moreland’s career, as he transitions from a reality TV contestant to a leading man in a beloved holiday movie.

The Impact of Hallmark’s Brand

Maher highlighted the power of the Hallmark brand in creating moments of joy and connection.

*It’s really about those times when you’ve had a super tough day and if you can sit down and watch a Hallmark holiday movie, you’re either gonna tear up or you’re gonna grab the phone and call somebody you love just to say, ‘hi,’* he remarked. This sentiment resonates with the essence of Hallmark’s programming, which aims to uplift and inspire viewers.

Moreland’s Gratitude and Pride

For Moreland, winning *Finding Mr. Christmas* was more than just a competition; it was about becoming part of the Hallmark family.

*I’m truly proud of becoming part of a family, the Hallmark family,* he expressed. His journey on the show was a testament to his resilience, determination, and the supportive environment fostered by Hallmark.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Ezra Moreland

With the title of Mr. Christmas and a leading role in *Happy Howlidays*, Ezra Moreland is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his career.

His journey on *Finding Mr. Christmas* showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, embrace challenges, and connect with viewers on a heartfelt level.

As fans eagerly await the premiere of *Happy Howlidays*, Moreland’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the magic of the holiday season.

*Happy Howlidays* premieres Saturday, December 21st on the Hallmark channel. You can also catch it early on the Hallmark+ streaming app, starting Thursday, December 19th.

Don’t miss the chance to see Ezra Moreland shine in his debut role as Mr. Christmas!