With the Season 13 premiere of Hallmark Channel‘s “When Calls the Heart,” there’s a ton to look forward to. While there is significant anxiety around looming storylines and the safety of our favorite characters, there is also considerable excitement about the return of two beloved characters. While Lori Loughlin‘s Abigail Stanton isn’t expected to make an appearance until Season 14, the other most anticipated homecoming of Brooke Shields is already happening.
Recently, WCTH star Erin Krakow revealed her excitement at having Shields back on set. Her character, Charlotte Thornton, hasn’t been seen since Season 3. While she’ll be on screen for only three episodes this season, her presence made filming even more memorable for Krakow.
Krakow Ecstatic as Beloved Co-Star Brooke Shields Joins Season 13
As the mother-in-law to Krakow’s character, Elizabeth Thornton, Shields and Krakow had plenty of screentime together when Shields was on “When Calls the Heart.” But then, her son, Jack (Daniel Lissing), died. Elizabeth moved on, and there was no compelling reason for her to return. However, in the Season 12 finale, her grandson, Little Jack (Hyland Goodrich), needed diabetes treatment. It gave the show the perfect storyline to make it happen.
Hallmark“It was wonderful welcoming Brooke back,” Krakow told Parade. “She’s such a pro, so funny and present, and deeply invested in the story.”
“You could tell that she took her job and her role in the show very seriously,” Krakow continued. “That was super meaningful because I have been wanting Charlotte to come back into the fold for many years. I think especially for our viewers who loved Jack Senior, getting to spend more time with Charlotte is going to be incredibly meaningful.”
Charlotte was name-dropped in the Season 12 finale. Despite that, no one was sure if Shields’ return would happen.
“When we mentioned her at the end of season 12, we were hopeful,” she told Good Housekeeping. “But you never know … We just got lucky that Brooke’s schedule allowed for her to come back and join us in season 13.”
Brooke Shields Shares Set with Daughter During Compelling Story Arc
For Shields, returning was exciting for several reasons. While she says the fans are “incredibly generous,” she found the diabetes storyline “Compelling.”
“I have a Type 1 diabetic daughter who was diagnosed at age 14,” the “Flower Shop Mysteries” star told Parade in December. “And this is the first major television series script that came across my desk that had a legitimate Type-1 diabetes storyline, and that definitely hit home for me.”
Her daughter was even given a small role opposite her mother, which Shields found thrilling.
“I’m just sitting there thinking that at 60 years old it has culminated into this really feel-good, positive goodwill that I’m being invited to still play in and do, and share it with my daughter,” she said.
Now we need to see Brooke Shields in more mystery movies.
We need to see more Brooke Shields movies! I loved her on Flower Shoppe Mysteries and WCTH!!