“When Calls the Heart ”Renewed at Hallmark for Season 12: 'Cannot Wait for Hope Valley's Next Chapter'

Hallmark's longest-running original series will be returning, with production slated to begin in July

There's more magic to come from Hope Valley!

On May 10, Hallmark announced that When Calls the Heart has been renewed for season 12.

As the series' 11th season continues airing, the cast, which includes Erin Krakow, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Kavan Smith, Kevin McGarry and others, will head back to Hope Valley to begin production on the new season in July, the network announced in a press release.

“When Calls the Heart continues to exceed our expectations and the number of fans and viewers continue to grow every year,” Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark's Executive Vice President of Programming said in a statement. “Bringing season 12 to life is a huge milestone and is a true testament to the cast and crew’s hard work and dedication throughout the last decade.  We cannot wait for Hope Valley’s next chapter full of exciting characters and storytelling!”

Season 12 of Hallmark's longest-running original series will consist of 12 episodes and "will continue with themes about family, community, and of course romance as we move further into the 1920’s."

Related: Jack Wagner Says His When Calls the Heart Character's Search for 'Truth' Will Create a 'Lot of Comedy' (Exclusive)

Krakow, 39, who plays schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton in the show, which is set in a small Canadian town in the early 1900s, spoke to PEOPLE ahead of the season 11 premiere in April, teasing what's to come for Elizabeth in the latest installment and reflecting on the magic that's in the air when the cast and crew are on set outside Vancouver

"I think there's just always been a bit of magic in Hope Valley. There's something so special about our show and the energy in Jamestown [British Columbia, Canada], where we shoot," she said.

"Things like we'll have a scene that's really important that we're to film outside and it's been pouring all day. And then miraculously, the rain just stops and we're able to make it through," Krakow continued. "And I know that's not the most romantic illustration of what makes Hope Valley magical, but I do think there's just something special about the show and the people involved."

Krakow added: "When you put a bunch of special people together in one place, connections are bound to be made."

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When Calls the Heart airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

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