Yesterday, Hallmark Channel announced that host Cristina Ferrare would be replaced as co-host by regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos. The cable channel didn’t specify when the change would take place.
Today, co-host Mark Steines made a quick announcement that Ferrare had left the show and that Matenopoulos would be replacing her, effective immediately. Ferrare hadn’t been on the show for two weeks and didn’t return for a send-off.
Fans of the show have been concerned if Ferrare was sick and have been wondering if the decision to leave was her decision. On her Facebook page, Ferrare confirmed that she is not sick and essentially says that she was fired. She wrote:
Okay here goes, I feel it’s important to finally step up to the plate and let you know what is happening.
First may I say that my family and I have been so thankful and appreciative for all the love, support, prayers, and good wishes you have been sending me on a daily basis for the past three weeks. It pained me so that I was unable to let you know what was going on out of respect for everyone on Home and Family and the Network. I was asked to wait and I have but now I feel I should out of respect for YOU let you know.
It’s really very simple, Home and Family will have a season 5 which I am so happy for and the Network decided that they want a new co-host and that will be Debbie. She will do a great job!
You can still reach me here on facebook and we shall continue honoring love of family and friends. I truly LOVE you all. You have been my rainbow!
What do you think? Are you sorry that Ferrare is no longer a co-host on Home & Family? Will you continue to watch? Should the show be cancelled or, is Ferrare’s replacement a good idea?
I’m really disappointed that Cristina is no longer on the show – she really was the heart of this show. I rarely watch now and stopped recordingthe show since I found out
yes I will miss her. She was very genuine. Great show tho!
I have decided to not watch anymore because she isn’t there!
will no longer watch my wife and i watched everyday not so much now from florida especially with the treatment of the fans
I think that she is a great co-host. I also think you should take a pole before you get rid of people. I think that Christina made it feel like a real home . She helped the atmosphere. I think she should continue to be co-host. Nothing against Debbie. I also think that Mark should stop giving Kim a hard time. Not flattering to him. It seems like he is a bully Kim.
I will not watch the show anymore – nothing against Debbie, but she is just not the right person to replace Christina. There is no warmth with her.
I am sick that Christina is suddenly gone. Each show was like stepping into a welcoming home to visit a trusted friend. She brought a rare warmth to the show that only she could do with her old fashioned “home and family” values, her friendliness, and her “down-to-earthness”, yet was still fun and modern and professional. Even though Debbie is very good, why mess with something that was working? It was a huge mistake & mark my word, it will affect ratings.
Cristina wasn’t the only reason I watched the show, but she was the main reason. I think she is such a delight. Sorry, probably won’t be watching anymore.
what a rotten thing to do ! I no longer watch the show since she left. Bad replacement
I just wanted to say how much I adore Cristina. She made my heart smile, no matter what show she was on. I found this show by mistake & became a fast fan. I’m not going to be negative about anyone, but I feel a mistake as made. Obviously, the network isn’t concerned with their following. Cristina was the glue, the class & the energy. I love the surrounding cast. It’s a great combination. I won’t be watching it anymore. Cristina is one in a million………..so disheartened you didn’t receive that memo.
I am very disappointed to not see Christina on the show. I loved her warmth & very sincere presence on the show. I will not watch anymore. I think it’s a classic “out with the “old” & in with the new blonde. Bad move Hallmark!!!!!
I can’t believe Christine is gone. This upsets me. What kind of family does that to her? I guess age discrimination is alive and well at Hallmark FAMILY. I am so disappointed and won’t be watching.
I am so sorry to say that I will no longer continue to watch the show.It just won’t be the same. I will now watch the game shows instead. Cristina I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Good luck and be blessed.
The show just doesn’t have “IT” any more. Debbie with her over done fake lashes too much laughing too much touching in an attempt to connect. And it does not help to have her kid running around. Bad choice. Christmas week . was very disappointing . And what happen to the week with the DYI Winner?….
I just don’t watch I really would hate to see the show cancelled.
In my opinion the name of the show needs to be renamed. No one in my HOME would treat FAMILY as Hallmark treated Christina.
What a great comment
Get over it people Christina was 66 years old it time for her to retire . The rateings were going down with Christina on. Know with Debbie on they have gone back up.
Christina was getting on my nerves. When Christina was on I would fall a sleep but with Debbie I right a wake.
So when anyone turns 60+ they are no longer valuable. And just how did you learn that the reason for the lower ratings was Christina? Hope
you never experience being shown the door because of age.
Since you seem to have an inside track with how the ratings are for Home and Family, why don’t you share them with all of us? Please be sure to include the ones with Cristina as well as how they have been since she was fired. You are entitled to your opinion but most regular viewers of the show would not agree with your assessment of Cristina vs. Debbie and their contributions to this show.
Angel, I totally agree! They treated her horribly….and “Bay”, if older people make you fall asleep, then Mark must be making you hit your snooze button—he’s no spring chicken!