Kayla Wallace, known for her role as Fiona on When Calls the Heart, was notably absent from the Season 11 premiere that aired on April 7. This left fans wondering about Fiona's fate in the Hallmark series moving forward.
When Calls the Heart, based on Janette Oke's novel from the Canadian West book series, is a long-running drama on the Hallmark Channel that first premiered in 2024. The show revolves around Elizabeth Thornton, a schoolteacher and single mother living in the charming town of Hope Valley, as she navigates life with the help of her friends and townspeople.
The Season 10 finale of When Calls the Heart left viewers on a cliffhanger with the potential death of Elizabeth's ex-fiancé, Lucas Bouchard. However, in the Season 11 premiere, it was revealed that Lucas is alive but faces a challenging road to recovery. The episode also highlighted the romantic tension between Elizabeth and Nathan, adding a new layer to the storyline.
One significant absence in the Season 11 premiere was Fiona Miller, portrayed by Kayla Wallace. In the episode, it was mentioned that Fiona would not be returning to Hope Valley as she was committed to working with her sister and other Suffragettes in advancing women's rights.
While Kayla Wallace is not officially leaving When Calls the Heart, her absence is due to a scheduling conflict with another project. Wallace landed a role in Taylor Sheridan's new Paramount+ series, Landman, which is set in West Texas and explores the world of oil rigs and the impact on climate, economy, and geopolitics.
Lead star Erin Krakow expressed her excitement for Wallace's new opportunity and mentioned that they hope to have Fiona back for some episodes in the future. The absence of Fiona will be felt by the Hope Valley community, especially by characters like Faith and Elizabeth, highlighting the close-knit nature of the town.
When Calls the Heart continues to air on Sundays at 9 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel, offering fans a mix of drama, romance, and community bonds that have made it a beloved series over the years.