Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” has mysteriously teased that a “familiar face” will pop up in the episode airing on February 7. None of the photos or video sneak peeks reveal the identity of the person involved. However, the “familiar face” is referenced as a female. Based on previous teasers, it seems this will be Melissa Gilbert’s Georgie McGill.
Gilbert’s appearance in the episode is her first since potentially serious legal issues involving her husband, Timothy Busfield, became public. As TMZ reported on January 13, Busfield surrendered to authorities in New Mexico after an arrest warrant was issued.
Melissa Gilbert Previously Revealed She’d Appear in Episode 6
Episode 6 in season 13 of “When Calls the Heart” is titled “Moment of Truth.” Hallmark teases, “A familiar face returns and brings a fun, new piece of technology with her…the polygraph.”
During the episode, Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) will freeze up when the use of the polygraph puts him in an awkward position. As Nathan tries out the polygraph, questions about his intentions regarding Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) have him squirming.
When the cast and crew were filming episode 6 of “When Calls the Heart” in August 2025, Gilbert shared a teaser indicating she would appear in it.
At the time, Gilbert took to her now-deactivated Instagram page to share a photo. The photo was the cover page for the episode’s script, and it included a reference to the episode number.
The post was subsequently reshared to a “When Calls the Heart” fan page on Facebook. In addition, an Instagram page featuring behind-the-scenes tidbits also posted it.
Not long after that post, on September 5, Gilbert shared another filming-related photo on her now-deactivated Instagram page. The picture revealed that she had received a director’s chair on the set with her name on it, instead of one labeled simply “cast.”
The WCTH Guest Star Was Thrilled to Be Filming Again
When she was on set filming her season 13 episodes, Gilbert talked to Hearties.com about the experience. She said she truly felt at home on the set because she really knew everybody now.
“I’m much more relaxed this time,” Gilbert shared. She admitted that she had a lot of butterflies when she filmed for season 12. Now, however, “I feel like I’m just a part of the show. I’m part of this incredible team of working people,” Gilbert added.
While it is expected that Gilbert’s character will be the one who brings the polygraph to Hope Valley, Hallmark has not hyped the fan favorite star’s return at all. None of the press photos for episode 6 of “When Calls the Heart” season 13 include Gilbert.
Even without the hype, many “When Calls the Heart” fans expressed their excitement over Gilbert’s anticipated return.
On one recent Instagram post featuring Jack Wagner, one fan commented, “Looking at Georgie? Excited for Melissa to be back!!”
A season 13 teaser shared via Instagram in December showed a glimpse of Georgie and Bill seeing one another again. Wagner was wearing the same costume as in new preview for the episode.
Recently, some “When Calls the Heart” fans shared their thoughts in the show’s subreddit.
One fan wondered whether Gilbert’s character would continue to be included in “When Calls the Heart,” given Busfield’s situation. Other fans voiced their support for Gilbert and noted their excitement for her return.
“She’s in 6 episodes this season I hope they don’t pull her episodes like Lori [Loughlin],” one fan suggested.
That fan added that if “When Calls the Heart” decided not to incorporate Georgie into season 14, that would be fine. However, they explained, they don’t want to see the network “retool and re film [Gilbert’s episodes].”
“They have already filmed—seems like a waste to cut her scenes. And SHE is not her husband. I hope they continue as planned,” another fan wrote.
