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 have tried to watch the show not knowing what happened to Cristina but the life and light has gone out of it! Even before knowing what happened I could not bring myself to watch. A couple of times I checked back to see if Cristina was on then switched off when I saw she wasn’t. I am so happy to read that she and her family are well, which I was concerned about, but I am deeply hurt and disappointed to discover the unkind truth of the matter. No, I cannot watch! Sadly I will never watch Hallmarks Home… Read more »
Loved Christina from the first home and family show and loved the mother figure she represented she made you feel like part of the family.. Debbie is fake and talks over everyone. I didn’t like the segments Debbie did before and don’t like her as a co-host. BRING BACK CHRISTINA TO SAVE THIS SHOW…
I really hate that Christina is no longer on the show. She was the reason I watched and the show won’t be nearly as good without her. I’ve only watched once since she’s been gone and probably won’t watch again. It’s just not as good without her.
Will not be watching the show any longer since Chritina is no longer on there.
I love watching Home and Family!! It was the only day show that still talks about family and values and even had prayer on the show!! When I watched without Christina, I was concerned what had happened to her. I had to look on the Internet to read what had happened. I was very saddened to hear that Christina was no longer on the show.. I believe everyone on the show has a special purpose but, Christina brought and represented what a role model of today’s mother and home maker and so many other things that she brought to the… Read more »
Hallmark was heartless in the way they handled this. Very disrespectful
Will no longer watch and feel awful that Hallmark was heartless in the way they handled this.
Lost a viewer. Watched it because of her
The disappearance of Cristina Ferrare from Hallmark’s “Home and Family” still disturbs me weeks after hearing about it. Cristina was a kind and joyful presence and a great mentor for those facing the 60s. Her sudden loss, handled with no regard for her viewing “friends,” makes me realize that despite Cristina’s sweet comments about her television family, Hallmark is not at all interested in “homes” or “families.” What kind of family ships off its family members once they hit 66? I feel like I was taken in by a carefully targeted marketing scheme rather than that I spent time with… Read more »
Hate Christina is gone watched because of her will no longer be interested
It is sad to see Hallmark make such a terrible decision to replace Christina. She carried the show. Debbie does not fit in. She tries too hard to be someone she’s not. I have stopped watching the show. I thought Hallmark was more professional.
This is so disheartening! Christina was the “heartbeat ” of the show. Her compassion and love of life & people, permeated the show with everything that makes a “home”. I am not going to be watching the show anymore. Love & compassion are the heart of a home. Now that that bright and shining light has been put out, the home of “Home &Family”, will never be the same and I believe will go on dimly burning until it’s gone out. It will go out as long as decisions like these have been made. I’ll always love you Christina! And… Read more »
Lost a veiwer. Shame on you hallmark channel.
I am so sad to see Cristina gone she so complimented Mark cohost. I don’t think i will be watching any longer I loved her so much.
The show is not worth watching without Christina! I will not waste my time,
‘Home and Family” is not the same without Christina. I have been a long time viewer of the show. while others have come and gone, Christina was a constant and made viewing entertaining we felt part of a something special. She gave ALL women a view of how a we can mature with beauty, grace, talent and humor. The show can give support to all ages and gifts. that is what “families” are made of. I wish her the very best. Watching will not be the same, I have not decided to give up all together time will tell. One… Read more »
I will not be watching Home And Family. I’m sure she has an Age Discrimination suit and I hope she goes after them! Don’t let them get away with it, Christina .