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?
Disappointed that Home & Family has so blatantly discriminated against Cristina for her age. Don’t enjoy show like before. I find it disturbing that a so called wholesome show would do such a thing. Cristina was the greatest asset of the show.
I will continue watching. I like Debbie!
She was the primary host that had me watch the show. I was an audience participant in July 2015. It’s all about showing you baby bumps and complaining about your sleepless nights. I think Mark Stines is a condescending controller. Debbie is a hyped up anorexic wanna be. Anyone who has a baby and in days can’t wait to show off her sucken physique speaks for itself. Major disappointment. I don’t watch my one time favorite morning show any longer.
Very sorry to know Christina is gone. Despite what may have gone on behind the scenes, if a replacement had to be found, I would have hoped you would choose another mature, classy woman.. I’m 60 years old and becoming acutely aware of age-ism in all walks of life. I can imagine a major part of your mid-day audience are senior adults. As a “family channel,” please remember that families include many generations.
Christina made the show I am so disappointed she is a beautiful woman with a lot to offer… Show is not the same will not watch anymore…just wanted to know how old are the producers and directors of the show are ,and if you all are married will you dismiss your spouses because there over 50 !!!!
She was the only reason I watched the show!!!!!
I am so shocked and I feel like the rug was pulled out from under me. I have been waiting for Cristina to come back. She has been gone for so long that I along with other viewers were worried she was sick. Hallmark, how can you consciencelessly do this to your viewers? You left us worried that maybe she was sick and all the while in the background you were replacing her. That in my opinion is dirty play. What other explanation would we have when Cristina was gone this long and you said nothing. I’m so disappointed with… Read more »
The only one on the show that is down to earth is Paige. So disappointed that Christine is no longer a part of the family. I thought maybe she was on vacation and now I am not sure if I will watch the show.
Sorry to see her go. Hope it just wasn’t because they wanted someone younger. She was good on the show.
Very sorry to hear Christina is gone. After seeing the show with the medical medium, I thought she was sick. I really don’t enjoy Debbie M–a little too loud, bubbly, and seems more into herself more than the guests. I’ve stopped watching. Plus, can you do something about getting better sponsors? There are more companies out there besides drug manufacturers. Hallmark, you got this one wrong.
I’m sad to hear she will no longer be on the show. She was a treasure! I like Debbie but she isn’t Christina!
Not very Happy with your decision to remove Christinia
Do not like her replacement and I will not watch the show anymore!
I will continue to watch the show. It is about the only show worth watching on morning TV. Cristina was a true lady and will be missed. She will be successful in whatever she does.
I will no longer watch home and famiily. I thought it truly was a family but after thee way they handled replacing chritina i no longer feel it is anything more than a ratings show with no heart
I am SO-oo–o-o-o- DISAPPOINTED that Christina has been replaced. She was the ONE who gave the show genuine warmth. I figure she was replaced because of age. Do you not realize the population is getting older? Good Bye ‘Home & Family” . I’m no longer interested in watching.