Resurgence Plans: When Calls the Heart Co-creator Ponders Lori Loughlin's Return Amid Admissions Scandal
Lori Loughlin's potential return to 'When Calls the Heart' is being considered by the show's cocreator, despite her past involvement in the College Admissions Scandal
Lori Loughlin Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Lori Loughlin could be making a comeback on When Calls the Heart in the near future. According to the show's cocreator Brian Bird, there have been positive discussions about bringing the actress back on board.
During a recent episode of the "Heart to Hearties" podcast, Bird, 66, shared, "As the producing team around the writing team of When Calls the Heart, we have always believed that there is no better place than Hope Valley for second chances. So, in theory, it should be feasible, right? However, I cannot guarantee it completely, but we are actively working towards it."
Following her involvement in the nationwide college admissions scandal in March 2019, the Hallmark Channel severed ties with 59-year-old Loughlin. She portrayed the character of widow Abigail Stanton for six seasons before Crown Media Family Networks confirmed their decision to no longer collaborate with the former Full House actress. Despite fans' desires for her character's comeback, showrunner Bird could not provide any assurances. However, Bird did provide an update on Loughlin's current state of well-being.
"She's making significant progress," Bird revealed on the podcast. "She has reassured us that she has discovered inner peace and has successfully navigated through the challenging situation with her husband. She is now in a much improved state than before."
Loughlin faced charges in March 2019, alongside her husband, Mossimo Giannulli. Allegedly, they conspired to pay bribes amounting to $500,000, aiming to secure their daughters' admission to USC by falsely designating them as crew recruits, despite their lack of involvement in the sport.
Loughlin and Giannulli initially entered a not guilty plea to the charges filed against them but later on, in May 2020, they reached a plea agreement. As part of Loughlin's agreement, she was sentenced to two months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, she was required to complete 100 hours of community service and pay a $150,000 fine. In October of the same year, she reported to the Federal Correctional Institution situated in Dublin, California, and was subsequently released in December.
In February 2021, it was reported by Us that Loughlin had successfully fulfilled her community service hours and was actively involved with Project Angel Food. Her passport was returned by a judge during the same month.
After the scandal, Loughlin made a comeback in late 2021, reprising her role as Abigail in the When Calls the Heart spinoff series titled When Hope Calls.
Bill Abbott, CEO of Great American Media, expressed his hope in September 2022 that Loughlin would continue to make a comeback on their network. He described her as "America's sweetheart" and emphasized her positive impact on the entertainment industry, as well as her exemplary personal conduct and commitment to doing the right thing. Abbott stated that Loughlin is beloved for valid reasons and that they are proud to be associated with her, considering her an integral part of their network.
