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?
Missed a couple shows, just found out. I am saddened, you and Mark made a great team. Not to happy with it now. Have some good time with your family, hope to see you again on Hallmark, may e your own show!
I missed several shows and thought you were taking a summer break. I am so saddened, enjoyed your presence, and i MISS you.
Take a wonderful break with your family i hope to see you again on Hallmark, maybe your own show!
Don’t watch the show any more. Christina was entertaining and represented a good population of women who stay at home. I am tired of seeing young perky blondes. Christina was solid and knew a lot about cooking and brining out the best in her guests.
I have bee wondering what happened to Christina. I missed the announcement. I am so sad to see Christina go. She is so clever, funny, genuine and a lovely person. I love the program. I will continue to watch but since her leaving without closure on air, I am very sad. I will miss you Christina. By the way I am watching today but had to miss the beginning. Now I am concerned that Mark Steines is gone.
Know i’am very mad with hallmark first Ceder cove cancel now Christina home &Family want be the same without her she &Mark were great together what is wrong with Hallmark that is the only station I watch but now I want i-am mad as hell.And very disappointed.Sincerely Marion Heim from Ca.
Wow! I have been so out of touch taking care of elderly Mother for over a month! i have been recording show, watched when I could! Finally today I decided to find out why Christina has not been on show! Read all the below comments and totally agree that it’s not the same without Christina, she made us feel good about ourselves, and was so natural and caring! I have nothing against Debbie she is fine for a temporary co/host but she can’t fill Christina’s shoes! Doesn’t feel like this is the way a home and family show should be… Read more »
Recently stopped watching Home and Family because it seems the show has been becoming more liberal. Now that Christina is gone I definitely will no longer watch ever! Shows new direction probably has something to do with her leaving. Good for you Christina for not compromising your values!
I’m so sorry not to see Christina on the show anymore Mark and Christina made the perfect team! Every time I turned on the TV and saw Christina it made me feel happy! She was such a loving woman, and always knew how to put a smile on your face and brighten your day. I’m really gonna miss you Christina, hopefully something better with come along for you.
I will miss Christina.Have watched a few episodes with out her.did not enjoy them.. She made the show so warm and especially during the holiday season I probably won’t watch the show again. Christina you were great.
I no longer watch, I adored Cristina!
I have not been watching it for a few weeks because I could not but when I went back and Christine had been gone for over a week I was just wondering what had happened to her and I’m sad to say that she is no longer part of that show she was a very personable in such an asset for the show. So far I’m not too impressed with the hostess that took her place not that she’s not good but Christina really brought something special we will miss you very much good luck in all your future endeavors.
I won’t be watching any longer.
I hope Cristina will do great in whatever she has to come in life!
Loved Christina but will still watch love mark and Debbie and all the crew ! It is not right to not give her a send off which she was probably not willing to do being fired ! But still love the show ! Farewell Christina will miss u ! Mark I think Debbie will be great team !
Will not watch the show anymore… Love Cristina