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?
Miss Christina may have had to do with being Christian & letting everyone know it. No mention of God now. Today a 5 minute segment on the new cat movie & Trump being like the cat asking a child star to describe Trump and what type cat. Really? Hollywood tries to influence our vote and their way of thinking. Removed Home & Family from series recordings. Debbie no match for Christina and has lost the WOW factor.! Hope Halmark doesn’t try to influence us with changing their movies also
I totally agree. I even called and left a voice message. Show needs to stay out of politics!!!! I turned in to get away from the all the coverage and Hallmark had to upset me with their obvious point of view . So sad that this child think a successful business man with a beautiful family, knows nothing about business.
I am truly sorry she’s gone she helped make the show. I am older and I find age makes a difference in wanting younger hosts. I will no longer watch . I am disappointed in hallmark…..
I feel that Christina was the best one for the co-host. She added a touch of class and quiet dignity that Debbie does not. I watched the show every day when Christina was on. Now I watch it sporadically! I only watch when they have a guest I want to see on there. I like Debbie but she is too loud and too over the top. She needs to tone it down a lot. I think Hallmark made the biggest mistake ever in letting Christina go. I loved her the first time the show was on the air and when… Read more »
Very well said Amelia Jones … I feel that Christina was the best one for the co-host. She added a touch of class and quiet dignity that Debbie does not. I watched the show every day when Christina was on. Now I watch it sporadically! I only watch when they have a guest I want to see on there. I like Debbie but she is too loud and too over the top. She needs to tone it down a lot. I think Hallmark made the biggest mistake ever in letting Christina go.
I like the show way better now! Christina was always yelling and trying to get attention. She was getting way too old for the show. Time to bring in a younger perspective. Great choice Hallmark!
Too old??? Wow, talk about age discrimination! Christina brought class to the show!!!
So disappointing to read Christina was let go. If she was let go due to her age, Hallmark should be ashamed of themselves. Get with the program, there are NOT MANY 18-25 year olds watching Home & Family. She and Mark were a great team. I tuned in every day because of how well they worked together and how enjoyable they made the segments with their friendly comments back and forth. She is one classy lady and Debbie cannot replace that. I will no longer be watching.
I am happy with the new co-host and thinks she does a fantastic job. I liked Christina as well but I enjoy the show more since Debbie is there. I would not like to see Mark replaced , though. I am so thankful for the Hallmark channel & their values and that it is a network I & my husband can watch & also, watch with my grandchildren, especially teens, and do not have to be afraid that swearing, filthy language, sexual scenes, half nude people will appear. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, HALLMARK.
I’m surprised woody would make that decision, especially after his friendship with Cristina, and the years of history they had together. Cristina was on the Home show, and was perfect. I’ve loved her with every cohost. Maybe they’ll realize they made a mistake , retract decision and want to bring her back. At one time Debbie drove me crazy, cuz the show revolved around her, not the guests. Cristina had the perfect mix of welcoming grace , background, experience, wisdom. brains, beauty and fun. It’s just not the same without Cristina. It was truly a home and family. What is… Read more »
I am so disappointed that Christina is gone!!! I think she is a great hostess and very much like people I know. Debbie is just another Barbie….ho hum. I’m going to start following Christina on Facebook to see if she’ll be doing another show….bye bye Hallmark. Kim would have been a better choice.
Because of the stupidity of Hallmark I think we should stop buying their products.I noticed they are now selling their products on QVC.As someone who has been a “VERY GOOD” customer of QVC ; the next time they are on I will tell them how terrible Hallmark is and I don’t think they should be selling anything made by Hallmark !!!!
I will not be watching anymore…Christina was the heart of the show, and this is just one more example of people over 50 “not being the right demographic”… It’s time we stop supporting networks who don’t want us.
I would rather watch someone my own age, won’t continue to watch.
I have not watched the entire show since Cristina left. I’m was shocked that she was replaced with Debbie. I don’t dislike Debbie but she is so hyper it’s hard to handle her banter fo two hours. What bothers me the most was how it was handled. Mark lied every day for weeks saying Cristina was taking much needed time off. It really felt like the remaining members, who had been so close to Cristina, all of a sudden seemed distant and cold about the situation. Dog eat dog! I’m so disappointed. This was an Emmy nominated show with Cristina… Read more »
I am very upset about this me and all my sister’s will not watch any more, Christina and mark make the show. She supported our generation
They are home and family.
I love Debbie, she brightens everyone’s day. Will continue to watch the show. It should be renewed.
I WILL NOT BE WATCHING HOME AND FAMILY ANYMORE!!! I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THIS SHOW LONG AGO WHEN IT WAS ON, AND WAS CANCELLED AND WAS QUITE DISPLEASED AT THAT DECISION!! WATCHED CHRISTINA BACK THEN AND WAS VERY HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THE SHOW BACK AGAIN ON HALLMARK…CHRISTINA AND MARK WERE A GREAT TEAM, AND THOSE TWO TOGETHER MADE ME LOVE THE SHOW THAT MUCH MORE!! AS I HEARD MARIA SHRIVER TALK ABOUT THE STUPIDITY OF LETTING HER GO, I TOO AGREE!! THAT IS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF FAMILY!!! DEBBIE IS NO CHRISTINA!! SHAME ON WHOMEVER MADE THAT… Read more »