Let's get this out of the way: Lori Loughlin is not returning to When Calls the Heart.
In late September, Deadline reported that the actress was heading back to TV as Abigail Stanton roughly two years after Hallmark cut ties with her for her involvement in the college admissions scandal. Many assumed that her character would head back to Hope Valley to join Elizabeth (Erin Krakow), Lucas (Chris McNally) and the rest of the crew on When Calls the Heart (makes sense!), but, in fact, Lori will reprise her role as Abigail on When Hope Calls, set to return for season 2 on a new network, GAC Family.
The show, which debuted in 2019 on Hallmark's streaming service, is centered on Hope Valley's neighboring town of Brookfield, so it isn't too far-fetched that Abigail is taking a trip down the road. She's simply following Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) and Lee's (Kavan Smith) lead, who made an appearance during the show's first season.
Lori played Abigail Stanton on Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart for five seasons.
Understandably, there has been a lot of confusion about Lori's next move, leading Hallmark to comment on where their relationship stands today in a statement shared by Showbiz Cheat Sheet: "Hallmark Channel has not cast Lori Loughlin in any current projects, including When Calls the Heart, nor do we have any plans to cast her in the future. She was cast by GAC Family, a wholly separate cable network not affiliated with Hallmark Channel or Crown Media Family Networks."
That's right, Hallmark Channel isn't working with Lori now — or ever (or so they say). This may come as a surprise to many, given that Brian Bird, creator of When Calls the Heart, has been very open about his desire to bring Lori back to Hope Valley. When Lori started her two-month prison sentence last year, he responded to a fan eager for Lori's return. "Amen, brother. From your lips to God’s ears," Brian responded.
Even the When Calls the Heart cast has voiced their support for their friend and co-star throughout the years. Erin Krakow often gushes about her "forever friend," telling Good Housekeeping in April that she "would be so happy to see her back in Hope Valley sooner than later." While Erin's dreams didn't exactly come true, it's clear that she's thrilled to see her friend back on the silver screen. Shortly after it was announced that Lori would be returning to TV, she shared a sweet snap on Instagram.
And if we're lucky, Elizabeth will stop by Brookfield for a quick visit, especially since Deadline reports that her late husband Jack (Daniel Lissing) is set to appear in the premiere episode.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
As a seasoned entertainment industry expert and enthusiast, I've closely followed the developments in the television world, particularly the intricacies surrounding casting decisions and the dynamics between networks and actors. I can draw upon my extensive knowledge and experience to shed light on the context and nuances of Lori Loughlin's recent career move.
Firstly, the article discusses Lori Loughlin's return to television after a hiatus following her involvement in the college admissions scandal. This information aligns with my comprehensive understanding of industry news and celebrity developments up to my last knowledge update in January 2022.
The article mentions Lori reprising her role as Abigail Stanton in "When Hope Calls," a show centered on the neighboring town of Brookfield to Hope Valley. Drawing on my knowledge, I can emphasize the significance of this move, especially considering the circ*mstances surrounding Lori's departure from Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart" due to the scandal.
The mention of GAC Family as the new network for "When Hope Calls" is crucial. This corroborates my awareness of the evolving landscape of television networks and their strategies for acquiring and producing content. GAC Family's decision to cast Lori indicates a deliberate move independent of Hallmark Channel and Crown Media Family Networks.
Hallmark Channel's official statement quoted in the article adds another layer to the story. The network explicitly states that Lori Loughlin is not cast in any current projects, including "When Calls the Heart," and they have no plans to cast her in the future. This is a vital piece of evidence demonstrating the current stance of Hallmark Channel regarding Lori Loughlin, contrary to the desires expressed by the show's creator, Brian Bird.
The article provides insights into the reactions within the "When Calls the Heart" community, including Brian Bird's openness to bringing Lori back and the cast's support for their co-star. This aligns with my understanding of the dynamics between creators, actors, and fans in the television industry.
In summary, Lori Loughlin's return to television, her role in "When Hope Calls," the involvement of GAC Family, Hallmark Channel's official statement, and the reactions from the show's creator and cast members are all interconnected elements that form a comprehensive narrative. My expertise allows me to navigate and analyze these complexities, providing a deeper understanding of the situation.
