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 do not watch H & F since Cristina left. I tuned in because of her, she was like a breath of fresh air. She is such a beautiful person.
The show is not the same without Christina. She was an awesome co-host. She had a beautiful smile and good energy. Bring her back.
So sad that Christina is gone her and Mark have great chemistry.It changed the whole Energy of the show. Not a fan of the show anymore
So sad to see Christina leave the show its not the same,the Energy of the show has changed. Christina and Mark have great chemistry.Trying to give Debbie a chance it’s not working at all. Not a fan of the show anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not a far of Debbie so I will not be watching anymore. Christina was wonderful and hope Hallmark will regret its decision
Maybe it has already been addressed on here. Too many posts to go through & read. If so I apologize. Last time I looked, isn’t against the law to fire someone due to their age or beliefs? Is the industry above the labor laws? Don’t they have to comply like others as far as being an EOE? That alone would make me look for another job. As far as her opinion on the gay issues. This was one of the reasons I tuned in, for the fact it wasn’t about any political issues or real controversial subjects. We have enough… Read more »
Woody Fraser is the producer of the show. And his age is 80 something.
How ironic. And supposedly he and Christina are great friends. It must have something to do with Hallmark. And that is the most disappointing factor of all. Am sure it is more than just about Christina who was indeed the heartbeat of the show. She is moving on. And she looked so fantastic. And was such a classy co host. Show is very different now. So sad.
The H&F show lost a classy lady with Christina. Now it seems just like any of the other shows. Debbie and the other gals are o.k. just tooooo much talk and too much long, shaggy blond hair do’s. Would have rather seen the male host with is goofy remarks hit the trail for another venue!!! Love Ken and Orly’s fantastic finds and crafting knowledge.
The show doesn’t interest me any longer without Cristina. Poor choice Hallmark. Just because women age doesn’t mean they are no longer valuable.
I was wondering why Debbie was acting as co-host. I finally googled “What happened to Christina on Home and Family?” Fired and replaced by Debbie? Who was the genius that decided to do that? There was a reason why Barbara Walters fired Debbie from “The View”. Debbie comes off as very fake, not genuine. Loved watching the show with Christina. . I related to her. I’m 50 years old, but age has nothing to do with it. Viewers of all ages could relate to Christina. When will executives realize that? I have stopped watching the show. Not only because of… Read more »
Well said!!! Hated her on their view
Well said. I also was wondering what was going on I told my husband she must be on vacation and I finally goggled because I was concerned that something happened in her family. I like Debbie.. but not as the host it just isn’t the same. I like mark and I’m sure he is a good guy but sometimes I wondered why he was there and now I am wondering why they didn’t replace him instead. Well the show isn’t the same it feel likes it is out in left field waiting for Christina to return.
This is a bunch of crock – well done with Home and Family! I kept waiting for you people to explain where Christine suddenly disappeared. Very disrespectful to the viewers.
I havent watched the show since day 1 of Cristina being gone, and will never watch it again, she was so very much of the greatness the show brings, but not now, ……sad, but no I am done with H&F….. big mistake on their part to let her go.
I truly have missed Christine. She made you feel welcome to the set, like you belonged there. I loved that she wasn’t just about glamor, but she was beautiful. I don’t like the show nearly as well since she is gone! Bad move Hallmark!!!
Well i don’t have anything against this new girl, but her voice is not inviting for sure, and now the show seems to lack something, I can’t seem to put my mind on the right word, but it’s kind of like a cozy comfy feeling that Christina brought to the show, it want ever be the same without her!
Christina Ferrare was the only reason I watch this show. She has beauty brains and a lot of class. She was A great asset to the show.
The show really has gone down since then. It just seems like a lot of noise now and looking to attract teens. Will not be watching.
Since Christina left the show is no longer good I do not like the new one she try to be like Christina but nobody can replace her she’s too fakeThe show needs to be cancelled