One Tree Hill star Austin Nichols said, "I can't wait", as he teased an "exciting" role in Virgin River.

Austin is celebrated for his roles in blockbuster films like The Day After Tomorrow and Wimbledon, not to mention his stints on HBO's John from Cincinnati and AMC's The Walking Dead.

The actor is most fondly remembered for his portrayal of endearing film director Julian Baker in the beloved teen series One Tree Hill.

Joining the CW show as Julian in its sixth season back in 2008, Austin's character quickly began a romance with protagonist Brooke Davis, played by Sophia Bush, reports the Mirror US.

The fan-favourite couple's journey led to an engagement at the end of the seventh season, with a heartwarming wedding following in the eighth season. Brooke and Julian then welcomed twins, Davis and Jude, years Brooke was told that she couldn't have children.

Now, over a decade since his departure from Tree Hill, Austin might be setting his sights on another beloved small town.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday (June 19), the actor shared a cryptic video that suggested he's gearing up for a role in Virgin River, which is shot in the picturesque surroundings of Vancouver, Canada. However, Netflix has yet to officially confirm Austin's involvement in the series.

In the clip, Austin said, "I've just landed in Virgin, I mean Vancouver, and starting a new job and I can't wait for you guys to see it," accompanied by a knowing wink.

His post was teasingly captioned: "Shhhh.... New gig.... Stay tuned!"

The video sent fans into a frenzy in the comments section, with one person exclaiming: "One of my favourite characters and actors in OTH in my favourite show Virgin River?! Yes pleaaase."

Another added: "That was hinting at being on Virgin River and I hope so," while another equally thrilled fan remarked: "NOT VIRGIN RIVER OH MY GOSH PLEASE."

A fourth person echoed the sentiment, saying: "Shut the front door!!! Seriously? This is a double plus. Julian with Mel and Jack and the gang! Yes!!!" with another similarly sharing: "Eek! OTH and Virgin River are two of my favs! So excited."

Virgin River centres around midwife and nurse practitioner Mel Monroe, played by Alexandra Breckenridge, who decides to start anew in the titular Californian town after her husband died in a car crash.

Mel hoped that Virgin River could be her escape from grief, only to find that small-town life harboured complexities she never anticipated.

The series also stars Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Lauren Hammersley, Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Ben Hollingsworth and Zibby Allen.

Fans were treated to the show's sixth series premiere in December 2024, and are eagerly anticipating the upcoming seventh series, with production kicking off in March.

Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix