The popular series When Calls the Heart has officially begun its thirteenth season, and anticipation is already building for its upcoming fourteenth season, which has been renewed by the Hallmark Channel. A significant highlight of this future season will be the return of Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton, a character she last portrayed in Season 6 before her departure due to the college admissions scandal. Erin Krakow, who plays Elizabeth, has expressed her excitement about Loughlin’s return and a specific moment she eagerly anticipates.
Reunion Moments in Hope Valley
In December, it was confirmed that Loughlin would be returning for a multi-episode arc in Season 14. Krakow welcomed her back with a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her joy at reuniting with Loughlin. Speaking to Us Weekly, Krakow mentioned, “I’m really excited for that moment that Elizabeth and Abigail finally get to hug ‘hello’ after many years apart.” This reunion is particularly significant, as Abigail was among the first to embrace Elizabeth when she arrived in Hope Valley, forging a close friendship.
In addition to the reunion between Elizabeth and Abigail, Krakow is also looking forward to the evolving relationship between Abigail and Henry Gowen, played by Martin Cummins. Their relationship has seen its share of complexities, but the depth of their connection has always been evident. Krakow noted that their eventual reunion will likely be emotional, referencing a moment in the Season 10 finale where Henry reflects on Abigail’s Café.
Future Developments in the Series
Details regarding Abigail’s storyline upon her return remain sparse. She had previously left Hope Valley to care for her ailing mother, and while Loughlin has appeared in the spinoff series When Hope Calls, the specifics of Abigail’s comeback are still unknown. Krakow has refrained from sharing too much information, stating, “I can’t tell you anything about it because I don’t know anything about it. We haven’t written the season yet.” The show was renewed for Season 14 just a month ago, which explains the lack of concrete plot details at this stage.
Production for the new season is expected to begin sometime this year, but no additional information has been disclosed. Fans are left to speculate on how Abigail’s return will unfold and the impact it will have on existing relationships within the series. Loughlin’s gradual re-entry into acting following the scandal has been notable, with her most recent role in Dick Wolf’s short-lived procedural drama On Call.
As viewers await the return of new episodes, they can catch When Calls the Heart on Sundays at 20:00 ET on Hallmark Channel. The reunion of Loughlin and Krakow promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the upcoming season, bringing both nostalgia and excitement to the show’s loyal fanbase.
