Popular Actress Lori Loughlin to Return to ‘When Calls the Heart’ for Season 14
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Fans of the captivating Hallmark Channel drama, ‘When Calls the Heart’, will be delighted to learn that the series has been renewed for a 14th season even before the premiere of season 13 in January. The exclusive news revealed by PEOPLE confirms that original cast member, Lori Loughlin, will make a much-anticipated return to the show for six episodes.
It has been nearly seven years since Lori Loughlin last appeared on the show in season 6. Known for her role as Abigail Stanton, Loughlin, 61, will reprise her character in the upcoming season 14. The announcement of her return has generated immense excitement among loyal viewers, eager to see the beloved Abigail back in the picturesque setting of Hope Valley once again.
The core cast of ‘When Calls the Heart’, including Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton, and Kavan Smith, will also be returning for the upcoming season. The series, which premiered in 2014, has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years, with Abigail Stanton being a particularly beloved character among viewers.
Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media, expressed the sentiment behind bringing back Loughlin’s character, stating, “At its core, the Hallmark brand is about hope, positivity, and connection, which is also the central theme of When Calls the Heart. We felt that season 14 was the right time to continue Abigail’s story with her return to this beloved series.”
Abigail Stanton, a widow and the first friend of Elizabeth (played by Krakow) in Hope Valley, left the show in 2019 amidst the college admissions scandal that implicated Lori Loughlin. Following her time served in jail, Loughlin has been gradually resuming her acting career, making successful appearances in various shows, including a brief return as Abigail in ‘When Hope Calls’ in 2021.
Creator Brian Bird teased the possibility of Loughlin’s return in 2023, hinting at ongoing discussions about bringing the character back to the storyline. The return of fan-favorite characters seems to be a recurring theme for ‘When Calls the Heart’, with Brooke Shields also slated to make a return after a decade absence.
The upcoming season is poised to deliver a mix of heartwarming reunions and intriguing plot developments. Kevin McGarry, who plays Nathan on the show, teased that a significant event at the start of season 13 will set off a transformative journey for each character, promising a season filled with emotional twists and turns.
‘When Calls the Heart’ season 13 is scheduled to premiere on January 4, 2026, on the Hallmark Channel, with season 14 set to air in 2027. The anticipation is high among fans as they eagerly wait to witness the return of familiar faces and the new narrative arcs that will unfold in the quaint town of Hope Valley. Stay tuned for more updates on this beloved series, as it continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.