Hallmark Channel News: When Calls The Heart’s Daniel Lissing Reprises Role On The Rookie

Daniel Lissing, who’s known to some viewers as Jack Thornton on “When Calls The Heart,” is returning to “The Rookie” to reprise his role as Sterling Freeman. Lissing was last seen on the show in 2019. He’s scheduled to appear in the episode called “Then and Now,” which is scheduled to air on March 1, 2020.

In the upcoming episode, Lucy is back on the field after her abduction. Harper will look out for her and help her through her first day back on the job. Elsewhere, Nolan will take Abigail, his son’s fiancé, on a ride after the latter expressed her interest in becoming a police officer.

Lissing’s Exit From When Calls The Heart

Lissing has been with “When Calls The Heart” for five seasons. He exited the show with his character’s tragic death. His onscreen wife Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) has moved on from his passing but viewers are still curious as to the reason why he left.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Lissing said in a Facebook Live that he left because of personal reasons.  “Circumstances arose for me where I needed to leave When Calls the Heart for reasons that are very personal to me,” the actor said.

“I went to Hallmark and they were nothing but supportive of me. I went to the girls and they were nothing but supportive of me,” he added.

Lissing’s Co-Stars Open Up About His Departure

Erin Krakow and Lori Loughlin said they respect Lissing’s decision to leave.

“We are actors, and actors have contracts and sometimes those contracts expire and you have a choice to make,” Loughlin said.

“You either renegotiate or you don’t, and Dan has chosen to move on, we respect that,” she continued.

“I was just sad that Dan was leaving. That’s the bottom line: We were all really sad about it, and that’s hard,” Krakow said.

“Dan, in many ways, has been my partner in crime for five years, and one of my greatest scene partners ever, and I’m just really gonna miss him,” she explained.

Loughlin added that death was the only option for Jack’s exit storyline. Although Jack’s death was tragic, his wife, Elizabeth still has a piece of him with her since it was revealed at the season 6 premiere that she was pregnant with baby Jack.