What To Know
- Melissa Gilbert announced she will not return to When Calls the Heart for Season 14.
- Gilbert played Inspector Georgie McGill in Seasons 12 and 13.
- Some fans speculated that her exit may be related to her husband’s legal troubles, expressing disappointment and support on social media.
Melissa Gilbert is not returning to When Call the Heart for Season 14, and it sounds like a case of “When Call the Producers.”
Gilbert broke the news to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday, July 16.
“Many people have asked if I will be returning to When Calls the Heart this coming season,” she wrote. “The answer to that is, no, I will not. I am told this is due to ‘budget issues.’ That said, I wish all my sweet friends in Hope Valley a wonderful and successful Season 14.”
The Little House on the Prairie alum made her When Calls the Heart debut in the Hallmark Channel drama’s 12th season, playing Inspector Georgie McGill. She ultimately guest-starred in seven episodes across Seasons 12 and 13 as Georgie struck up a romance with longtime Hope Valley resident Bill Avery (Jack Wagner).
Jeff Weddell/Hallmark Media
In her Instagram caption, Gilbert gave thanks to When Calls the Heart executive producer Michael Landon Jr., son of her Little House on the Prairie costar Michael Landon.
“I will be eternally grateful to my dear friend @michaellandonjr1 for giving me the chance to bring Georgie McGill to life,” she wrote. “It was a lovely couple of seasons, but it’s time to say farewell. When one door closes, another one opens. Looking forward to whatever comes next. #thatsshowbiz #onwardandupward.”
In a statement to TVLine, Hallmark said, “We can confirm that Melissa’s storyline on When Calls the Heart concluded in Season 13. We adore Melissa and are always grateful when we get to work with her.”
In comments on Gilbert’s Instagram post, fans reacted to the news with dismay. “I’m so sad to read this news!” one commenter wrote. “I loved the relationship between Georgie and Bill.”
Another fan added, “Oh my word! This makes me really sad! So very sorry for you and all of us. Your character became a favorite of mine!”
Other Instagram users seemingly connected Gilbert’s WCTH departure to the criminal case against her husband, Timothy Busfield, who faces child sexual abuse charges to which he has pleaded not guilty.
“Budget issues is code for ‘We don’t want to support you during a very difficult period in your family’s life,’” one commenter wrote. “Sorry this is happening to you! Always supporting you and your family!”
Another commenter said, “I’m so sorry, Melissa. I don’t believe for one second that it’s ‘budget issues’; more likely the holier-than-thou Hallmark Channel trying to protect their precious image.”
When Call the Heart’s 13th season concluded in March; the drama is set to return for its 14th season next year.
When Calls the Heart, Season 14, 2027, Hallmark Channel