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’m shocked! I just googled what happened to Christina because I haven’t seen her on the show for a while, and changed the channel every time she wasn’t there. I thought she was just on vacation, but then it seemed too long to be gone. I too no longer will watch the show and like the others, watched it as often as I could. The “family” as it was, was my family too for a short time every day. Christina was the perfect role model for young and old alike to aspire to be like. She is humble, gracious, compassionate,… Read more »
I must say i always enjoyed the fact that an attractive aged woman was the host of the show and not a typical hollywood barbie. Christina had great spunk! She and Mark had a nice chemistry, which I noticed in last weeks is not there w Debbie Can’t say I’m a huge fan, but have noticed the unfavorable change, (curiously watched to see if Christina would be back) had to google what happend. Very glad not due to heath. Dumb move on the show. Typical new way of things, no loyalty! Shame on home and family.
I am GLAD she is GONE! I will start watching again. I have not seen the show since Paige left.
Wow what a loss, she was great on the show, down to earth , classy woman…no sorry won’t watch it…
No I will not be watching, I think Christina made the show, she is very down to earth, classy woman…hate to say it but the ball was dropped….big time…
I will no longer watch!!!!
I will no longer watch the show. I am not and have never been a fan of Debbie’s on any show she’s been on. The show does not have that same family feel without Christina. Really hate it. Always liked the show.
I won’t be watching the show any longer. I am not and have never been a fan of Debbie. Loved watching Christina. Very down to earth. Doesn’t have the same family feeling with Debbie.
Well now i know what happened…everytime I have turned it on and Christine isn’t on i change it…now i won’t watch it at all…she made the show
Remember all families have older members and matriarchs.
I have stopped watching Home and Family since Christine is no longer on . They made a BIG mistake. She made the show
I’m very disappointed. Cristina was classy where Debbie is silly and always has to be in the spotlight. I won’t be watching, especially if she was fired or ‘let go’! That’s not how a FAMILY treats one another.
Dislike change on Home & Family. Debbie is obnoxious. Christina was beautiful and classy. Show is going down in standards. Hallmark was my favorite station. Feel good shows. Not feeling so good about this station now. Very disappointed and will probably not be tuning in.
I think if she was fired and it had anything to do with her age I won’t be watching hallmark anymore you people preach FAMILY and you don’t do family that way ! A young woman only means one thing watch out Mark your next somebody sitting behind a desk has decided they think ratings would be better if they recreated the past. I’m very disappointed
I am so dissappointed to hear Cristina is not hosting the show. Who was behind this dumb decision? She was ALL this show represents. Very classy and personable Lady! She made me wish she were my best friend. She was one of the reasons I watched the show. I wish her the very best. Sad – show isn’t the same without her. Family are suppose to be the people we count on in life. I thought this is what this show is suppose to represent, Shame on you Hallmark and or Home and Family decision makers.