Andie MacDowell Relates to Del’s Reaction to Kat Moving in with Elliot on The Way Home: ‘It’s Hard’ (Exclusive)

Andie MacDowell is opening up about how her *The Way Home* character, Del Landry, is coping with big family changes—and how it mirrors her own experiences.

In the January 17 episode of the Hallmark Channel series, Del reveals her secret relationship with Sam Bishop (Rob Stewart), only to be met with another surprise—her daughter Kat (Chyler Leigh) plans to move in with Elliot (Evan Williams), with her daughter Alice’s (Sadie Laflamme-Snow) full support. Del struggles to accept this news.

“I know from personal experience how hard it is to let your kids go,” MacDowell, 66, told PEOPLE during an exclusive set visit. “You become so attached to them. Letting them spread their wings can be really tough.”

MacDowell, who shares three children with ex-husband Paul Qualley—including daughters Rainey, 35, and Margaret, 30—admits she can relate to Del’s hesitation. “It makes me sad,” she said about Kat’s move. “I love her. I want her here.”

But as MacDowell points out, Kat won’t be far—just across the street—and Alice will remain at the family farm.

“Del is quick to accuse Kat of abandoning her daughter, even though she’s only moving across the street,” MacDowell explained. “Secretly, Del could be thinking, ‘Now I get Alice all to myself.’ But instead, she reacts defensively.”

Reflecting on her character, MacDowell noted that the tension between Del and Kat stems from them both being strong, independent women. “It’s two alpha women under one roof,” she said. “I know what that feels like—I have daughters. It’s hard to step back and let them lead when you’ve been the boss for so long.”

Del’s protectiveness also comes from years of loneliness, MacDowell shared. “She was so lonely for so long, and now she’s scared Kat and Alice will disappear.”

Despite the emotional challenges, MacDowell is grateful for her role on *The Way Home*. “We’re like a group of kids on set—it’s creative, fun, and energizing,” she said. “After all these years, it’s amazing to still feel so excited about my work.”

*The Way Home* airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel and streams on Hallmark+ the following day.