Netflix's Virgin River returned for a sixth season, with Preacher (Colin Lawrence) hinting at his desire to marry Kaia Bryant (Kandyse McClure). The couple met shortly after Preacher was mourning the loss of Paige (Lexa Doig) and Christopher (Chase Petriw). Paige exited the series at the beginning of season five after a close call with her ex-husband's twin brother, Vince (Steve Bacic). She and Christopher left to start a new life away from danger, and she hasn't been seen on screen since.
After escaping an abusive marriage with Wes, Paige relocated to Virgin River and assumed a new identity, leading to an unexpected friendship with Preacher. Following a confrontation that resulted in Wes's death, Paige realised it was no longer safe for her to stay. Fans have speculated whether actress Lexa chose to leave the series or if the storyline simply meant she was no longer needed. Since leaving the series, the actress has taken on numerous roles, most notably as Sally Allison in the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries TV films.
She also secured recurring roles in Chucky and Goosebumps. This suggests she never planned to be a long-term part of the show, reports the Mirror US. As a recurring character, Paige's storyline wasn't central to the plot. There's no evidence to suggest Lexa left the series on bad terms or was forced out. Canadian actress Lexa Doig, married to fellow actor Michael Shanks, enjoyed a bond that blossomed on the set of Andromeda and further entwined as they collaborated on Virgin River.
While Lexa juggles the demanding roles of motherhood with an acting career, Virgin River fans have expressed disappointment over her character Paige's departure from the show. Devotees have been venting their frustrations on Reddit, with Ollies_mama22 stating: "I will never forgive the writers for how things went with Paige/Michelle and Preacher. "The way things ended with Paige and Preacher is so upsetting. They both deserved so much better. Instead, she is back to running from the law with her son. It’s not fair.".
Another fan, InterviewCautious649, offered their view: "I thought it was because the actress wanted to leave but I think it was because they didn't know what to do with their relationship.". Typical-Ad4773 weighed in with: "To be honest I think it's mainly because the actor who plays Christopher is growing up and it doesn't match the shows timelines.". Splashy717 added their perspective: "This is what happens with a show that is this slow-paced (Mel's not even in VR for a full year and we're how many seasons in?) and a child actor is involved. He grew up and they needed a way to write them off. Sad.".
