When it comes to Hallmark, we know When Calls the Heart has spun a few romances in its time. But for star Erin Krakow, it looks like life in Hope Valley has spilled over into her real life. When she's not working on set, she can be found spending time with her boyfriend — and her co-star, Ben Rosenbaum.
While it's not clear when Erin and Ben first met, the two have been part of the period drama ever since it premiered in 2014. Given how the show's actors have built friendships away from filming, it's likely the two were friends before rumors began to swirl of a possible romance back in January 2023. Although it wasn't clear about their relationship status, Erin alluded to them taking a big step with the adoption of their dog, Willoughby.
"Meet Willoughby," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "We adopted him a week ago and I already can’t imagine life without him. 😍 Thank you so much @tobiessmalldogrescue for bringing him into our lives (and for all the important rescue work you do) ... Ok gotta go get some more cuddles now. 🐾💛."
As fans continued to guess about whether Erin and Ben were dating in real life, it took the couple an entire year before officially confirming their romance on Valentine's Day in 2024. While Erin simply posted a photo of her kissing Ben's cheek, Ben went on Instagram to write a heartfelt message about what Erin's presence in his life has meant to him.
"First thing I see when I wake up. Last thing I see before sleep," he captioned a screenshot of Erin and Willoughby as his phone background. "Happy Valentines Day ❤️❤️ ."
After the duo revealed they were in fact dating, it wasn't long before folks got to see Erin and Ben show off their love for the public. They displayed their relationship in May 2024, while on a double date with fellow WCTH couple Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace. They've traveled together, taking time to enjoy life away from the cameras in New York City in June 2024. And they also love to show off Willoughby as their pup celebrates major milestones.
Despite being open about their romance, Erin and Ben seem to prefer to keep most things behind the scenes. In fact, Erin posted a rare tribute to Ben on Valentine's Day in February 2025, where they gave a clue into what a year of being in a relationship looks like for them.
So, have Erin and Ben talked publicly about what keeps their romance so strong? Not necessarily. However, Erin did mention to People in April 2024 how Hope Valley does seem to spark love between cast members — and she's not too mad about it.
"I think there's just always been a bit of magic in Hope Valley," she told the outlet. "I know that's not the most romantic illustration of what makes Hope Valley magical, but I do think there's just something special about the show and the people involved. When you put a bunch of special people together in one place, connections are bound to be made."
It's clear Erin and Ben are in love ... and we can't wait to see what else is in store for these two!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
