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 loved the show with Christina, not a fan now that she is gone. Will no longer be watching Home and Family. Shame on you Hallmark, my opinion of you has taken a big nose dive!!!!
I am so sad that Christina was fired for Home and Family, very disappointed in Hallmark, she made the show, I wont be watching any more..
Christina gave Home and Family a sense of down to earth charm. Her middle class background inspired viewers like me, as I felt a kinship to that. High glamor is not everyone’s cup of tea. Just “removing” someone who is a staple, without an explanation is shameful. I was afraid she had become ill or had an accident. Hallmark will not be watched by me anymore.
I was afraid this would happen. I started watching the show because of Cristina. I felt a connection I suppose, but even more so, she is loving, gracious, kind, entertaining, and very talented. I have always loved her. I’m sad that Hallmark asked her to leave. I know Debbie is very talented but she is not Cristina. I’m not sure I want to watch the show now. I love watching the talented people on the show and great ideas…but Cristina, for me, made the show special. Also, for the way it was handled. Just let her go and no send… Read more »
So sad to see Christina gone. I was so excited to be off of work and tune in and watch the show and now that she is gone I won’t be watching anymore. Just not the same. I thought Mark and her had a great chemistry but I guess it’s all about young now. What a shame coming from a 57 year old female who just can’t keep up with the young ones. She spoke to all of us with her kindness and caring. Too fake to me now. What a shame.!!!!!
Looks like that age thing for women is still out there. I guess young is the thing, too bad its still that way. I thought Christina did a very good job. So sorry she left the show. Will miss her. Gloria (Hope it changes sometime soon.)
I miss Cristina being on the show it is not the same does not have the warm feeling like when Cristina was on. Please bring her back,
Here it is over a month later and Hallmark has not come their senses. All my life I have considered the name Hallmark as one being senomous with quality and endurance. Have always chosen to buy the Hallmark brands of cards, ornaments and gifts for my family and friends. The decision to replace Christina was not handled in a “quality” manner. Being 71 years young I was and still am mortified that someone can be disposed of like yesterday’s news. I now choose to not favor the Hallmark channel nor the Hallmark brands. They push all of the holidays especially… Read more »
What it sad is she did not leave the show by her own choice….she was fired do to her age not to mention the executives didn’t even have the nerve to tell her to her face…they asked her husband to do their dirty work…She left her show on a Friday believing she would be returning on Monday…The show is no longer the same… Has lost its warmth and charm…. To add insult to injury they promote Debbie who is very self centered and brings nothing to the show as co host…I stopped watching weeks ago as a former loyal viewer… Read more »
Cristina was great and it is not the same without her. I don’t look forward to watching as much as I did. I wish she were back! Debbie just cannot fill her shoes. It will be interesting to see if someone still prays at the Thanksgiving special. Just not a big fan of the show anymore.
Whoever made the decision to replace Christina made a really bad decision and you will regret it. So sad but I have not watched the show and don’t plan to after finding out she was fired! Everybody in the show is good but Christina was GREAT !!
No I have not been watching, and sorry but Debbie is not a good fit. It always seems she is trying too hard. Kiss but is not becoming for this show.
Home & Family is different now. There was no need to change it up by replacing Christina. She was classy. Debbie’s shoots off her loud mouth too much. I won’t be watching. watch out Marc – you are probably next.
I am 62 years old. Home & Family was my favorite show because i could relate to Christine Ferrare. Im tired of seeing fake, perky, loud mouth people on this show and i am no longer interested in watching
I like Debbie but not as the co-host. I no longer watch Home & Family. Cristina made the show!
I am very sad that Cristina is no long the female host , she was a person who was for the 50 and older class of a woman. The show does not have the same feeling and I watch and tape this daily before I go to work. So now I kinda watch BUT half heartitly. Debbie is a great person but does not I mean not connect with the average person or female viewer she is so,over bearing I wish you the best and I send best wishes to Cristina and was so happy to be on the show… Read more »