Hallmark Channel News: When Calls the Heart Lori Loughlin Legal Woes Remain Unresolved – Abigail Stanton Recast Possible?

‘When Calls the Heart’ season 7 spoilers confirmed that filming is underway in Vancouver, B.C. There is a new Mountie, Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) in Hope Valley. Another handsome man, Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally), has come to town. Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) may have two handsome gentlemen courting her, and Hearties are wondering who the schoolteacher will choose.

Sadly, Elizabeth’s best friend, Abigail Stanton had to leave Hope Valley unexpectedly, taking her young son Cody Stanton (Carter Ryan Evancic) with her. As Hearties know, Hallmark Channel cut ties with Lori Loughlin, one of the original ‘WCTH’ cast members, when she was accused of participating in a college admissions fraud.

Abigail Stanton has been the cornerstone of the town back when it was known as Coal Valley. She led the charge to keep the coal miner’s widows and children from being evicted from their homes.

When times seemed darkest for the widow, she started Abigail’s Café & Bakery, proving that with hard work and determination she could do anything. Abigail has faced off against Henry Gowen (Martin Cummins) several times, eventually taking the reigns as mayor of Hope Valley.

Now what? Hearties are split on whether Hallmark Channel should recast the role. Lori Loughlin leaves behind very large shoes to fill. Who would fans like to see on the list of actresses that would manage a recast transition?

Chesapeake Shore Recap Sunday, September 22: Jess and David’s Surprise Guests – Mick Needs Abby’s Help

View Story

Kimberely Sustad: the actress is no stranger to Hallmark Channel series. She had a short stint on Chesapeake Shores as Caroline Moss, and recently completed filming ‘Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen’ with ‘When Calls the Heart’ star Erin Krakow. The actresses portray sisters Marianne Dashwood and Ella Dashwood, co-owners of a party planning business. Kimberley and Erin have great chemistry. It’s not difficult to see Kimberely and Erin bring that energy to ‘WCTH.’

Teryl Rothery: the Canadian born actress is no stranger to Hallmark Channel series and original movies. Teryl starred as Grace Sherman in the Hallmark Channel drama ‘Cedar Cove.’ Teryl has also appeared in several Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original movies. You may have seen Terly in ‘The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries,’ ‘The Good Witch’ and the Hallmark Channel holiday movie ‘The Wishing Tree’ (2012).

Andie MacDowell: Perhaps a long shot, but Andie has starred in a few small-screen series. She portrayed ‘Cedar Cove’ Olivia Lockhart (2013 – 2015). Recently Andie enjoyed a cameo as Mrs. Howard in the Hulu original series ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral.’ The series is based on the movie of the same name. Andie portrayed Carrie in the classic 1994 film.

When Calls the Heart Season 7 Spoilers: Hallmark Channel Releases Official First Look – Confirms 2020 Return @celebratesoaps #WCTH https://t.co/9DKb5swOfE

— SOS/CTS/HH (@SoapOperaSpy) October 4, 2019

Lucy Lawless: Another long shot, but New Zealand born actress would be a good bet to pull off Abigail’s determination, grit, and kind-hearted forgiving nature. Best known for her iconic role in ‘Xena: Warrior Princess,’ Lucy has gone on to light up the small screen with roles in ‘Salem’ (Countess Marburg), ‘Parks and Recreation (Diane Lewis), and Spartacus (Lucretia).

Erica Durance: Born in Calgary, Alberta, the actress has experience portraying strong female characters with a heart of gold. Erica played Dr. Alex Reid on ‘Saving Hope’ from 2012 – 2017. Other television roles include ‘Smallville’ (Lois Lane/Isis) and ‘Supergirl’ (Alura Zor-El/Noel Neill).

Hearties, what do you think? Should ‘When Calls the Heart’ producers leave the door open for Lori Loughlin to return if found not guilty in the college admissions scandal? Would you accept a recast? If so, what actress do you believe could step in as Abigail Stanton?