When Calls the Heart continues to be one of Hallmark Channel’s biggest hits, and 2026 has been one of the busiest years ever for its cast. Between weddings, babies, engagements, and the long-awaited return of a fan-favorite character, Hope Valley’s stars have had plenty to celebrate off-screen.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest real-life updates involving the When Calls the Heart cast.
Erin Krakow (Elizabeth Thornton)
Erin Krakow has played Elizabeth Thornton since the series premiered in 2014 and also serves as an executive producer.
Relationship Status
In June 2025, Krakow secretly married her longtime co-star Ben Rosenbaum, who portrays Mike Hickam. The couple confirmed their marriage publicly after keeping their relationship mostly private. (EW.com)
Baby News
In June 2026, Erin and Ben announced they had welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2026.
The couple described becoming parents as “the greatest gift” and shared that parenthood has brought them even closer together. (EW.com)
Ben Rosenbaum (Mike Hickam)
Ben Rosenbaum has portrayed Mike Hickam since Season 1.
Relationship Status
Rosenbaum is married to co-star Erin Krakow.
What He’s Doing Now
Along with filming When Calls the Heart, Ben is enjoying life as a first-time father while preparing for Season 14. (EW.com)
Kevin McGarry (Nathan Grant)
Kevin McGarry joined the series in Season 6 and has become one of the show’s leading men.
Relationship Status
McGarry is married to actress Kayla Wallace, who portrayed Fiona Miller on the series. The couple met while filming When Calls the Heart. (TV Insider)
Baby News
The couple welcomed their first child in 2026, making them another growing When Calls the Heart family. (Cinemablend)
Kayla Wallace (Fiona Miller)
Although Fiona left Hope Valley to pursue new opportunities, Kayla Wallace remains closely connected to the cast.
What She’s Doing Now
In addition to expanding her acting career, Wallace welcomed her first child with Kevin McGarry in 2026. (Cinemablend)
Chris McNally (Lucas Bouchard)
Chris McNally continues portraying Lucas Bouchard, one of Hope Valley’s most beloved characters.
Relationship Status
McNally has been in a longtime relationship with actress Julie Gonzalo.
Family Update
The couple welcomed their second daughter in June 2026, becoming a family of four. (Good Housekeeping)
Julie Gonzalo
While she doesn’t appear on When Calls the Heart, Julie Gonzalo remains well known to Hearties because of her relationship with Chris McNally.
What She’s Doing Now
Julie and Chris are adjusting to life with two young daughters after announcing the birth of their second child in June 2026. (Good Housekeeping)
Lori Loughlin (Abigail Stanton)
One of the biggest surprises of 2026 came during the Season 13 finale when Lori Loughlin returned as Abigail Stanton for the first time in nearly seven years.
What Fans Can Expect
Hallmark has confirmed Loughlin will return as a series regular in six episodes during Season 14, which is expected to premiere in 2027. Her comeback marks one of the most anticipated storylines in the show’s history. (People.com)
Season 14 Is Officially Happening
Hallmark has officially renewed When Calls the Heart for Season 14.
Production is underway, and nearly all of the core cast—including Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Jack Wagner, Andrea Brooks, Martin Cummins, Viv Leacock, Natasha Burnett, Ben Rosenbaum, and more—is expected to return. (TV Insider)
A Big Year for the Hearties
Between multiple babies, marriages, exciting career milestones, and Lori Loughlin’s return to Hope Valley, 2026 has been one of the biggest years in When Calls the Heart history. As production on Season 14 continues, Hearties have plenty to look forward to when the beloved Hallmark drama returns in 2027. (TV Insider)
Leave a Reply