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?
Disappointed that Christina has been replaced. Show is not the same. I find myself not watching it as frequently.
Just looked up why you are gone Christina, I have been watching Home and family for a year and a half since I retired. I will no longer watch because Debbie is fine in small segments but not 2 hours.
It sounds like there might not have been a season 5. Possibly ratings were not as high as the people behind the scenes want. Which is always the case. As usual, if this is true, they thought that getting a new host would change something. Personally, I believe the show will go down without Christina. I thought the two hosts worked perfectly together. i have seen Debbie, only when Christina was hosting, so I have no idea how she would be. Personally, I think it was a huge mistake. I hope if they do ask Christina to come back, however,… Read more »
Big mistake! Christina and Mark made the show click and although Debbie made a great contributer, she’s no Christina as a co host. Sorry, Debbie, but I want Christina back! !
Cristina was the only reason I watched. Will not be watching anymore.
Should have kept Christina she done a exceptional job and enjoyed watching her . She was the life of the show , BIG mistake for Hallmark getting rid of her , her replacement just does not have what it takes !
Like we need another tiny perfect person to look at. I can get that on other channels. Cristina represented a FULL life of ups and downs of success and honesty. Not just another cookie cutter talking head. No offense to the current lady she has her own appeal, I’m just telling you what you lost. Best compared to what Coke did with their failed New Coke recipe. You had GREAT so now you will just play catch up. It is the way of TV. The show is JUST A SHOW NOW. Not something I HAVE TO WATCH.
Sorry for honesty.
The first week my family of 4 and both of my parents were worried that Christina was ill. By the second week we realized that was not the case because her name was not even mentioned. We felt as a viewer, very hurt and offended that who we enjoyed did not matter to your station. The fact she would even be asked to leave when she was the heart and soul of that show, tells the viewers that our opinions and happiness in viewing such an enthusiastic person, doesn’t matter to you. You only care abou some person who sits… Read more »
I feel that it is terrible that Cristina is no longer on the show. . .she could relate to all generations that watched . She was the only reason I took the time out of my day was because of her. I will no longer turn the TV on at that time. It certainly wasn’t Mark that kept me interested in the show. And if it is all about having younger women well see how long your show lasts because Mark sure doesn’t make the show work. You would be wise to bring Cristina back. . .she is a very… Read more »
I also miss Cristina..young and perky not an improvement and I no longer can watch the show!glad at least Cristina not sick but Hallmark lost another viewer because of their handling of the switch!
I miss Cristina so much. I cannot watch the show anymore. She was the essence of the show. Her class, life experience and obvious compassion for others was what drew so many viewers to the show. I agree with those who feel that having a “young perky” makeover has destroyed the whole feel to the show. I think Hallmark made a big mistake with this move. And the way in which Cristina just “disappeared” was a spineless way to handle it. It also seems like the guest line-up has gone downhill as well. Seems like Hallmark which could always be… Read more »
I agree with Mary-I just retired & had planned on watching Home & Family & did watch it once. I did not like it at all with the new person! I thought at first that Cristina was just on vacation so every day I watched the intro’s to see if she was back. I finally got tired of checking & decided to look her up & here I am! I am sadly done with the show – all because her & Mark as a team made the show!
I just now searched for why Cristina has been gone so long (having missed the announcement about Debbie being the new cohost). I even figured that since she had been with the show so long she must be entitled to the summer off. Debbie is trying hard to do a good job, but Cristina IS Home and Family. You just lost the heart of the show.
Same here
Christina was my fave to watch. She appealed to all of us Moms & Grandmoms. The new gal is too flashy & too much a model. H & F was a stand out for us ordinary folks who love Hallmark. No longer a highlight for me.
Please bring back Christina!!!!! Debbie M. Does not have the interviewing skills that Christina has. Nor does she have the expertise & knowledge about cooking that Christina has. It was always such a pleasure to watch Christina & Mark together on the shoe. They were a good team, thanks to Christina. I miss her graceful & cheerful presence.BRING BACK CHRISTINA!!!!! I am not interested in watching the show anymore. It’s just too boring now.
I am stunned to hear of Cristina Ferrares departure from Home and Family. I thought she did a great job and looked forward to seeing her everyday. I also liked the chemistry between her and Mark Steins. I don’t think she was treated fairly by the network. I’m glad she had a loving and supportive family. I wish her all the best and much success in her future endeavors. We all live you Cristina!