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?
Will no longer watch Home & Family. Cristina was truly the show, a warmth was felt when she spoke and was kind. Debbie seems a “show piece” who utters no class or comfort to the show. She is loud, interruptive and over dramatic. Ruined the show…. thanks for making a great show a disaster.
I think cristina had a major role in the show, shes like the mother of the family can’t be replaced, hallmark channel made a big mistake.
I think Christina Ferara should have been allowed to come on the show to say goodbye to all her fans. She was the original hostess after all.
Admittedly I am shocked. Christina is and had been the rock of the show since the beginning. I watched years ago and while HER co-hosts changed, it was never an issue. While Mark and Debbie are ok, they lack the leadership and foundation that was Christina. If it is true that you traded her in for a newer model, then shame on you. The show isn’t the same. She held the reins. Her personality, beauty, intelligence, talent; she WAS the show. Sometimes I think you can be too close to see the forest for the trees. I sincerely hope Christina… Read more »
I am so disappointed that Christina is gone! She is such a beautiful, intelligent, talented lady, who really was a major plus to the show. The chemistry between her and Mark was terrific! That will never be again unless you bring her back. I am sorry to say that this is the beginning of the end of this show. Debbie just is not cutting the mustard so to speak.. I do not watch the show as I did. I hope this is not about age!!!!! Hallmark you are missing the boat here. You present great information but new need the… Read more »
Shame on you Hallmark, for replacing Christina with a young chickie. Will not be watching anymore.
Will continue to watch Home & Family.Love Debbie & Mark & the show!!!!
I’m so sorry that Cristina was fired..she carried this show. Debbie can’t begin to fill her shoes. I will no longer watch every morning as I did before..big mistake in my opinion.
I have watched all along and I like Debbie but not as host constantly. She is overbearing and grabs talk time from everyone. She is an entertainer host and should stay there. You need a host like Christina that speaks to a bigger audience and can identify with the majority of the audience. We do not need to weep every day, she is not the only one to have a child, and not many people have her lifestyle. I will still watch but please show more of the others without Debbie in the picture and let them shine like they… Read more »
I VOTE YES FOR CRISTINA
LETS VOTE SINCE WE PAY FOR THE ADVERTISED PRODUCTS
Dee Wilsey
So SAD
I definitely will NOT be watching H&F anymore. I watched one episode after Christina left and it was not good. The show needs the expertise and compassionate persona of a real person like Christina. She was very informative and presented it like a professional while still being her usual elegant self. Wish they would bring her back but I know how popular change is even when it doesn’t signify better. It doesn’t matter the quality of the change, as long as it’s younger, that’s all that matters. Too bad for us.
Lets put it to a vote. Since we are in fact the ones who spend the money on the products that pay for the show. Cristina YES