Rumors have been circulating on social media that Lori Loughlin might be returning to “When Calls the Heart” as Abigail ever since the season 10 finale aired on October 15. Hallmark Media has finally broken its silence about where it stands on the question.
Hallmark Media Said It’s Not in Talks With Loughlin
Season 10 of “When Calls the Heart” ended with a cliffhanger that clearly pointed to the possibility of Loughlin’s return to the series. Henry (portrayed by Martin Cummins) spent much of the finale discussing Loughlin’s character, Abigail, and how much she meant to him. He spoke of how he thought about Abigail every time he looked at her cafe. Then when the episode ended, a scene showed Henry showing up at a house with a mailbox labeled “Stanton” (Abigail’s last name), knocking, and someone answering the door.
When the scene aired, Bird tweeted: “#Hearties, did any of you see this surprise door-knock coming?”
https://twitter.com/brbird/status/1713736422732296427
Abigail was a main character on “When Calls the Heart” in the show’s first six seasons, until 2019, when Loughlin was implicated in the University of Southern California admissions scandal. Hallmark removed her projects from its networks and even re-edited some episodes of “When Calls the Heart” to remove her before they aired.
People reported on October 31 that Hallmark Media seemed to refute co-creator Brian Bird’s claims that there were “good conversations happening” about a potential reunion.
Hallmark Media replied to People, simply stating, “Hallmark Media is not in talks with Lori Loughlin about reprising her role as Abigail on ‘When Calls the Heart.'”
Since “When Calls the Heart” is wrapping up its filming for season 11, according to Bird, it appears that she won’t be part of the next season, based on Hallmark’s statement.
Hallmark’s response was reminiscent to a response its official Twitter account made back in 2021, when Bird was bringing Loughlin back to the network Great American Family for a Christmas special of the “When Calls the Heart” spinoff, “When Hope Calls.”
Hallmark wrote at the time: “Hallmark Channel has not cast Lori Loughlin in any current projects, 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.”
Someone replied, “@Hallmark you don’t practice what you preach? Forgiveness and redemption. Kind of disheartening from a fan of hallmark.”
Hallmark answered, “We appreciate you reaching out to Hallmark. We are very sorry to hear you are disappointed. We will share your comments with the leadership at the Hallmark Channel. Thank you for contacting us.”
Bird Has Recently Said He Wants Loughlin Back on the Show
Bird has historically been vocal about wanting to bring Loughlin back on the show. After the season 10 finale aired, he renewed his calls to bring Abigail back.
“Hope Valley is a town of second chances,” he said about 47 minutes into an interview with JLJ Media. “This is where art and life kind of commingle. … It is an ongoing conversation. I can’t promise anything; I can’t spoil anything right now. But all I can say is for Hearties who follow me from the beginning, you know what my views are on second chances so … I have a lot of hope.”
He said the same thing in an interview after the finale with “Heart to Hearties,” around the 6:40 mark.
“What I can say is that there are good conversations happening,” Bird shared. “We can’t guarantee anything, but there are good conversations happening around this topic.”
Bird was clear, however, that he couldn’t promise anything, adding: “Our attitude always has been … What better place for second chances than Hope Valley? And so in theory, it’s in theory, it should work, right? But again, can’t fully promise it, but we’re working on it.”
However, as Hallmark Media stated above, it has not had any discussions with Loughlin about a potential return. They have, however, returned her “Garage Sale Mysteries” series to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, occasionally airing reruns.
Loughlin, meanwhile, has been filming movies in Canada with Great American Family. Her most recent movie is a Christmas-themed film that will be airing this season on Great American Family, Variety reported.
Definitely will not be buying Hallmark cards. Hallmark needs to stop selling cards that are about forgiveness. They also need to stop making movies about second chances.
I don’t believe in selling/writing one thing and not practicing what you are selling/preaching.
This actress served her time, paid her fine, and did her community service.
I’m very dismayed at Hallmarks’ decision to not discuss or bring Lori back. Perhaps they should stop commenting on forgiveness and giving folks the benefit of the doubt. Hasn’t she paid her dues? She served her jail time, paid her fines and did community service. Doesn’t she deserve to work? So what if she is with Great American Family. I am sure she could do work for both. I believe there is an overwhelming number of folks that would like to welcome her back to Hallmark. It is almost like cutting off their nose to spite their face!
I wonder if Brian Bird could take When Calls the Heart to Great American Family. That would be great. I wouldn’t have to watch Hallmark at all then.
I love Hallmark and want to support the actors and actresses that are part of Hallmark. But I’m disgusted with what was a poor decision by Hallmark about Lori Loughlin. She’s a terrific actress, and her personal life, which she had to deal with, should be left for her to deal with. Last time I checked, when I watched Lori on Hallmark, she was in character. The garage sale mysteries were terrific, and I miss them and the characters. Personally, if I were Lori and Hallmark approached me, I would say thanks but no thanks. I couldn’t run fast enough away from a team that didn’t stand by me.
Hallmarks loss I don’t really care for when calls the heart but I loved the mystery movies she played on hallmark mysteries love the older
Hallmark
Players but these new ones
And most of new shows leave
Me
Disappointed and I’ve been a
Long time hallmark
Watcher
I understand how some people see this as Hallmark not being forgiving, giving people second chances, etc. but I honestly don’t see this issue the same way. Hallmark has done a remarkable job of casting WCTH and I personally do not see a need to bring the character of Abigail back. The cast as it stands is wonderful and the stories created around them touching and meaningful.
Better she stays on GAC Channel where they actually forgive people.
Another reason why I will no longer watch When Calls the Heart! Why would you end with that teaser when you have no intention of bringing Lori Loughton back? You continually betray your audience by resorting to these cheap tactics and I, for one, am done.
Please Please let Lori Loughin COMEBACK SHE IS SO MISSED SHES BEEN PUNISHED ENOUGH. PLEASE BRING HER BACK
Lori should be brought back…I love the garage Sale Mysteries series…I watch it all the time in the UK..i wish they would bring the series back …or even to do a one-off film…to properly finish off the series
We all need second chances in our life. Jesus is a God of second chances and we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Yes we were disappointed in Lori but she has paid for it. Hallmark needs to forgive and move on
Lori Loughlin should be back she never stole anything all the onies lost belonged to her. What about people like rober Downey Jr (whom I love) he is back bigger than ever. She made a poor judgement call and it has nothing to do with acting