Virgin River theory: Will Hope and Doc split after shocking news?
VIRGIN RIVER season 3 is in the making and fans are waiting to find out what news Doc had to tell Hope. Will Hope and Doc Mullins cancel their wedding?

Virgin River season three is on the way for Netflix and the end of the second season left fans feeling concerned for Doc Mullins (played by Tim Matheson). In the season finale, Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) had been discussing plans for their wedding – but Doc seemed distracted. He said he had something to tell Hope, and his news may result in the couple calling off their big day, or even splitting up for good.

Will Hope and Doc Mullins cancel their wedding?

The relationship between Doc and Hope has been turbulent over the course of the two seasons – but by the end of season two, things were looking up.

The couple had been separated – but not divorced – for more than 20 years, and they remained close friends.

After Hope’s heart attack, she made a snap decision to divorce Doc once and for all, but in the end, she could not go through with it.

Instead, she and Doc realised how much they needed each other, and Doc presented Hope with another engagement ring.

They had decided to do things even bigger and better the second time around and were in the midst of planning a special reception in Virgin River.

Their close friends in the town had planned a surprise engagement party for them, and they were ready to celebrate.

Sadly, just as Hope was about to discover the surprise, Doc told her he had some important news from another health consultant.

Before he had time to tell her what was wrong, their friends jumped out and surprised them, ready to congratulate the couple.

Fans believe Doc had received a shock diagnosis, which could mean the wedding plans are put on hold, or called off altogether.

There are a number of theories about what the condition could be, with many believing Doc’s eyesight is failing him.

He has made a number of comments in the past about his eyes no longer serving him well, which is why he needed a new assistant.

Others have suggested he may have a brain tumour, which could subsequently lead to him losing his sight.

An alternative theory is that he has been asked to work in another area, leaving him incapacitated as the Virgin River doctor.

Whatever the news, it is likely to heavily impact Doc and Hope’s relationship – just as they were starting to get back on track.

r are known to have fallen out many times throughout the series, and this may be the tip of the iceberg.

Despite being a doctor, he had shown some antagonistic traits at the start of the series, as he showed resentment towards the new nurse, Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge).

He eventually warmed to her and respected her as a talented nurse, and fans came to admire his character.

They would be sad to see anything happen to him, and it is hoped he is still able to lead a happy life with Hope in season three.

Viewers have mixed opinions of Hope, with many calling her character “annoying” and “insufferable”.

She is known to have meddled in many people’s private affairs, notably the relationship between Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) and Charmaine Roberts (Lauren Hammersley) in the second season.

Fans have also pointed out how she overreacted following her health scare, and they do not agree with the way she treated Doc.

She and Doc were in the process of finding a venue for their wedding reception at the end of season two, but by the next season, their priorities will have changed.

Sadly it is too early for any insight on what may happen in season three, but it is possible their wedding plans will become immaterial.

Fans were shocked when they found out Doc and Hope had been married before, and they took to Twitter to comment.

One said: “I knew Doc and Hope had a thing!!! They not together but he doesn’t want a divorce, and it’s been 20 years!!! #VirginRiver [sic]”

Another said: “I’m so much more invested in the relationship between Doc and Hope than Mel/Jack. #VirginRiver”