‘When Calls the Heart’ Creator Just Hinted That Lori Loughlin May Be Returning

The Editors
Updated

From House Beautiful

  • When Calls the Heart season 6 premiered Sunday night without Lori Loughlin.

  • During the premiere episode, the show's executive producer liked a tweet that suggested Abigail could come back to the show.

  • Fans are making it clear that they want Lori's character back on the Hallmark series.

Within the first few minutes of the season 6 premiere of When Calls the Heart, the show very obviously addressed Lori Loughlin's absence.

Lori, who played Abigail Stanton on the Hallmark original series, and her husband Mossimo Giannulliwere charged in March with conspiracy to commit mail and honest services fraud. They allegedly agreed to pay $500,000 so their daughters – Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose - could pose as crew recruits to get into the University of Southern California. Since their alleged involvement was made public, prosecutors have also announced more charges of money laundering.

As a result of the scandal, Hallmark has reportedly cut ties with Lori, which means she is no longer on When Calls the Heart. To explain Lori's departure, the latest episode began with Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) writing a letter to a friend about all the changes happening in Hope Valley - including what's going on with Lori's character, Abigail.

Elizabeth writes, "It's been a week since Abigail got word that her mother had taken ill back East ... True to her nature, Abigail wasted no time in rushing off to care for her. Abigail is much more than a friend, she's family." Elizabeth also notes that Abigail will be missed "deeply," but that everyone remaining in Hope Valley "must get by as best we can."

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

"We all keep Abigail and her family in our prayers in her absence and wish her godspeed," Elizabeth concludes. "In her absence we must soldier on and we will. We are a community, we are strong, we are Hope Valley."

While those watching saw all of this unfold during the premiere, what When Calls the Heart executive producer and creator Brian Bird did on social media during the episode was most likely missed. Interestingly enough, Brian liked the below tweet from a fan that suggested Abigail's storyline may not be over.

"@brbird Thank You an all involved. Perfectly explained! It did not change anything really from WCTH I am so glad!," the fan tweeted while mentioning Brian. "It would not of [sic] felt right if they had her die or replace her right away. This way leaves the door open to decide in the future what they will or can do next."

In fact, there were several fans who came to the same conclusion and were equally pleased that the WCTH writers seemingly left the door open for Abigail.

"Thank you for all your hard work!! Love this show!!! Love how you explain how Abigail had to leave town to take care of her mother, it leaves the story line for her to come back!" one Heartie wrote. "Love the way Abigail’s absence was handled. However, I really miss her and hope that she will return," another wished.

So, what's the likelihood that Lori Loughlin will come back as Abigail?

While the future of Lori's character remains uncertain, Brian has hinted before in interviews that he believes Hope Valley is "a place of second chances."

"Some of the fans have asked what will happen to Abigail’s character, and shared their opinion that Hope Valley should be an example of forgiveness and grace. As Lori’s friend, I could not agree more," he told From the Desk.

Still, he did go on to say that he thinks "having a heart of forgiveness does not mean that justice can be ignored.”

And that justice could, reportedly, involve up to 40 years behind bars for Lori, which would make her return unlikely.

Still, you never know. Maybe they'll replace Lori with another actress to play Abigail – Candace Cameron Bure perhaps? We shall see...

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