Lori Loughlin has publicly addressed her return to the beloved Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart, following her departure in 2019 in the wake of the college admissions scandal. The actress made a surprise appearance at a When Calls the Heart panel during the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, December 12th.
The emotional moment unfolded during a lighthearted segment of the panel. When an audience member playfully suggested Lori Loughlin would be the first to snag cookies from the craft station, co-star Erin Krakow seized the opportunity. Krakow, a prominent figure on the show, announced, “I think it would be one of our favorite friends and co-stars who we are so lucky will be joining us for Season 14. What do you think maybe we should bring her out now?”
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and applause as Loughlin, who portrayed the fan-favorite character Abigail Stanton from seasons one through six, walked onto the stage. Visibly moved, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you,” before taking her seat alongside her castmates.
When asked by the panel host about her feelings and the timeline of her return, Loughlin shared her profound joy. “It feels amazing, and my girl [Krakow] here has been championing this for a long time,” she revealed. Loughlin explained that she received the news approximately “a month ago, two months ago,” and extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Hallmark network. “I just want to thank everyone at Hallmark for being so loving and so welcoming… And this just feels incredible,” she added.
Loughlin emphasized the unique camaraderie among the cast, stating, “I mean, you guys all know it, we have such a special cast, and such a special bond, and it’s just so nice to be back with my family.”
A Beloved Character’s Comeback
The official announcement of Loughlin’s return to When Calls the Heart was made by the Hallmark Channel on December 2nd. Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media’s head of programming, spoke to People about the decision. “Since the series’ debut in 2014, the character of Abigail Stanton was a fan favorite and beloved by the Hearties,” Vicary stated.
She further elaborated on the network’s philosophy and the show’s thematic core. “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 was written out of the narrative in 2019 following Loughlin’s involvement in the college admissions scandal, for which she served a two-month prison sentence in 2020. This return marks a significant chapter in both the actress’s career and the long-standing narrative of When Calls the Heart.
Looking Ahead for When Calls the Heart
The highly anticipated return of Abigail Stanton is slated for When Calls the Heart Season 14, which is expected to premiere in 2027. This follows the upcoming Season 13, scheduled to debut in January 2026. The continuity of Abigail’s storyline promises to be a significant draw for the show’s dedicated fanbase, often referred to as “Hearties.”
The news of Loughlin’s return has been met with considerable excitement from fans who have followed her career and the When Calls the Heart series for many years. The character of Abigail Stanton was a cornerstone of the show’s early seasons, and her absence was keenly felt by many viewers.
The decision by Hallmark to reintegrate Loughlin into the When Calls the Heart universe reflects a broader trend of networks offering second chances and embracing the complexities of their talent’s personal journeys. The emphasis on hope and connection, as highlighted by Vicary, suggests a narrative arc that aims to move forward while acknowledging past events.
The panel appearance itself served as a powerful visual testament to the support Loughlin still commands from her castmates and a segment of the audience. The enthusiastic reception underscores the enduring affection for her as an actress and her portrayal of Abigail Stanton.
The return of Lori Loughlin to When Calls the Heart is more than just a casting decision; it represents a significant moment in the show’s history and a testament to the resilience of its characters and the loyalty of its audience. The upcoming seasons are poised to explore the reintegration of Abigail Stanton into the tapestry of Hope Valley, offering viewers a compelling narrative that blends continuity with new possibilities. The anticipation for Season 14 is already palpable, as fans eagerly await the unfolding of Abigail’s next chapter.