‘When Calls the Heart’ to Be Retooled on Hallmark Channel

Hallmark drama “When Calls the Heart,” the family friendly cable network’s most-watched scripted series, will not be canceled despite the axing of star Lori Loughlin follows news of her involvement in the college admissions scandal. The fate of the show was unclear after Loughlin, 54, was arrested last Wednesday on a felony charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

Said producer Brian Bird via Instagram: “#Hearties, thank you for your love, support, and patience these last several days as we have all been preoccupied with the news about Lori Loughlin and her family, and the decisions our colleagues at the Hallmark Channel USA needed to make,” the statement began. “As you can imagine, everyone involved with “When Calls the Heart” was surprised by these developments, so we hope you can forgive us for initially staying silent while we sorted through how to respond.”

“When Calls the Heart,” which debuted in 2014, will return with new episodes after a “retooling” hiatus. Loughlin portrayed widow Abigail Stanton.