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“When Calls the Heart” offered a subtle nod to Lori Loughlin and her character, Abigail Stanton, on a recent episode.
What happened:
- The episode included the wedding of characters Clara and Jesse. Clara and Abigail had a really strong relationship since Clara is the widow of Abigail Stanton’s son, Peter Stanton. Clara and Peter were married for only three days before he died in a mine collapse.
- In March 29 episode, Clara stops by Abigail’s Cafe with Bill. She says she’s “thinking about everyone who can’t be at the wedding” — a subtle nod to Loughlin’s character.
- Fans across the “When Calls the Heart” fandom talked about Loughlin and Abigail Stanton in the aftermath of the episode.
- One fan noticed that Abigail Stanton was at the wedding in spirit. It began to rain at the wedding. Her bridesmaid Fiona said the rain is good luck in some cultures. Abigail Stanton reportedly said something similar when she opened her cafe during a rainstorm.
A look at the past
- Loughlin was one of the main characters of “When Calls the Heart” for more than five seasons. Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were accused in the college admissions scandal one year ago. Soon after, Hallmark Channel cut ties with Loughlin, ending her tenure on the show.
- Online theories suggested Loughlin’s character might be recasted in the wake of the news. But instead, Abigail Stanton left the town to take care of her sick mother. She hasn’t been seen since.
- “When Calls the Heart” executive producer and creator Brian Bird told From the Desk of Kurt Manwaring that “When Calls the Heart” is a place of hope and she could return.
- “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,” Bird told From the Desk.
- “… Hope Valley will always be a place of second chances,” Bird said, according to the Deseret News. “However, in the real world, having a heart of forgiveness does not mean that justice can be ignored.”