Those who are fans of the Hallmark Channel show When Calls the Heart are well aware of the incredible ensemble cast this show employs. In fact, my list of “favorite” characters changes quite regularly, and to try to choose just one or two highly-esteemed cast members is a literal impossibility. To be honest, probably every single character within Hope Valley holds some kind of special place within my heart. But I must admit that Florence Blakeley–“Feisty Flo”– has been a perennial favorite of mine since season one. Loretta Walsh, the force behind this charismatic, spirited widow, is one of my preferred people to highlight on my site. This season, after finally meeting this kind-hearted actress in person, I am honored to showcase my fourth interview with this talented industry professional in celebration of the return of When Calls the Heart to the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home.
Loretta Walsh Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter
RH: It would appear that Florence this season is helping out Elizabeth as a babysitter from time to time. What was the best part of working with the Taylor twins on set?
With Johannah Newmarch with the “pregnant Elizabeth”
LW: I adore babies! (Who Doesn’t?!) So it was such a joy to work with the Taylor Twins on set. They are gorgeous and so expressive. I’m pretty sure they are going to steal every scene they are in!
Flo still enjoys being the town busybody with definite ideas of what should and should not be allowed in Hope Valley. Do you believe that Florence will be loosening up at all during season six? Why or why not?
Loretta Walsh, Kayla Wallace Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter
I think Florence is a rule follower. She likes rules as they make her feel safe. However, sometimes life throws curveballs your way and Florence will learn some lessons this season for sure when things don’t always go as planned.
I have seen several posts that want to match Ned Yost and Florence Blakeley together. Any chance there might be a match between those two this season or maybe the hint of a match at least?
With Hrothgar
Hrothgar Matthews is such a fun guy, and we have a lot of laughs on set together. I’m so appreciative for all the friends I have on When Calls the Heart. We truly do like each other a lot! For now, Ned and Flo are just friends. They’ve known each other a long time and have the joint goal of wanting what is best for Hope Valley and its citizens. They represent the town of Hope Valley. But who knows what the future holds?? I would love for Flo to have a romance. I think it would be so fun for her to have some romantic attention and not know how to handle it. A control freak out of control!! 🙂
with Johannah Newmarch
Did you have a favorite scene this season that you can mention without giving spoilers?
Shooting the first episode of the season when Florence is babysitting is my favourite of the season for me because…did I mention…I LOVE BABIES! 🙂 There are lots of others too (especially in episode six).
What do you see as Flo’s biggest obstacle to overcome this season? Elaborate if you would like to.
with Laura Bertram
Flo doesn’t like to be out of control. Some things happen this season that make her question her own abilities and worth. But as always, she has lessons to learn and has good friends in Hope Valley to help her get back on track.
Are there one or two cast members with whom you’d like to share more scenes if there is another season?
I’m quite lucky because I do get to work with lots of different characters in the show. But…I love working Erin {Krakow}. She is such a fabulous woman and leader, and I’d love to share more scenes with her and those babies.
I notice you are also a part of Cold Pursuit that was recently out in theaters. What was it like filming that movie?
Working on Cold Pursuit was a fantastic experience. The director was so collaborative and creative. He was warm and open, and I had a fantastic time. The whole cast and crew were delightful. I am so happy that I got to be a part of it!
I know you’re also very active in the theater. Any productions coming up any time soon?
Not at this time. I did two plays last year (which was wonderful!). This year, I am focusing on film and television work, but I will get on stage again before too long. I have a lot of passion and love for the theater. For now, however, I am enjoying being an audience member.
Any other upcoming works you can mention as far as film and TV go?
I just finished working on a very fun role on a new kid’s show for Disney. And I have a role in an indie feature film that I will be shooting soon. Stay tuned!
I loved meeting you at HFR4 {Hearties Family Reunion} (FINALLY!). If there is an HFR5, what would you like to see added and/or reprised as far as the schedule goes?
I think the event runs very smoothly, and it is a lovely chance to meet some of the Hearties in person. We certainly appreciate you all so much!
The way in which Loretta depicts her characters makes them remarkably relatable and convincing, and indeed, over the course of the show, Florence has risen from the irritable, suspicious gossip to the capable, influential town leader who has formed a formidable, efficient alliance with Flo’s counterpart, Molly (as portrayed by Johannah Newmarch). As the beloved “Team FloMo” of Hope Valley, these two have garnered substantial support within the Hearties community worldwide, and it captivates the imagination to imagine what might be in this pair’s future in season seven and beyond (we hope!). Loretta is one of the most humble, generous, and gifted actresses within this show’s cast, and the fact that she has developed such a following in spite of the fact that her character’s evolution only spans a few scattered moments here and there is a testament to who she is as an actress and a woman. I believe that a wide variety of women who regularly watch the show can identify with her pluckiness as well as her heartbreak. Indeed, in my humble opinion, some of her character’s most exquisite moments were amongst the other town widows at the end of season five as they attempted to empathize with and console the grief-stricken Elizabeth, and I can hardly wait to see more from this stellar actress in this series and elsewhere in the days, weeks, and months to come.
If you are able and willing to do so, I would invite all of my readers to tune in to the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home on Sunday (May 5th) and Monday (May 6th) for the return of one of the most beloved, family-friendly series of all-time, When Calls the Heart. While you await this show’s comeback, please take a moment and connect with Loretta at all her links below and consider following her if you are so inclined. While Loretta is not the most active actress on social media, you can trust that if she posts an update, it is newsworthy in the extreme. Thankfully, Loretta is willing to share a portion of her life with her fans and followers, and she never misses an opportunity to express her sincere and profound appreciation to the Hearties for all their devotion to her and to the show. It is an honor to watch the progression of Loretta’s career as she completely personifies the notion that modern women today CAN have it all–a family, a career, and most importantly, an impact on the world as we know it. What a delight to know that an exceptional and positive woman such as Loretta Walsh exists in this world of ours today!
FOLLOW LORETTA
From HFR4
Check out my past interviews with Loretta!
Interview With Actress Loretta Walsh, “When Calls the Heart”
Interview With Actress Loretta Walsh, “When Calls the Heart”
