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?
Please bring Christina back !! 10 minutes of Debbie is way to much and certainly not needed everyday
Bad decision. Bring Christina back !! 10 minutes of Debbie is way too much and certainly not every day
You could of left Christina and Debbie to host alternately so each could have time off for Christina with family and Debbie with her little girl and husband . Would be less stress on either one as I would imagine it could be stressful everyday doing this show. I am a young 73 and enjoy watching all ages as I am sure everyone else is also. I wonder what kind of person or persons make these really bad decisions that make everyone upset especially for the Hallmark channel. Shame-Shame.
I had great respect for the Halmark Channel, but this was underhanded. Mark and Christina had a warm chemistry that really made the show feel like Home and Family. I like Debbie but in the roll that she was in before. I feel bad for her following in Christina’s footsteps. In my opinion Hallmark has made a huge mistake and will lose a lot of viewers due to Christina’s departure. The family feel between Christina and Mark will be missed.
Hallmark screwed up when they let Cristina go. She was a genuine loving caring person who was wonderful on the show. So disappointed. Loved that show and recorded it every day so I wouldn’t miss it. Debbie is sorry co-host – she is so self-centered and doesn’t even listen to the guests and totally revolting in the games. Honestly – get someone that is believable. I forwarded through her segments because she was so irritating. I miss the show but will never tune into it again or any of the shows on Hallmark. Hallmark you wanted younger audience – welcome… Read more »
I was wondering what happened to Cristina, how disappointing that she’s gone. She was the heart of the show I so looked forward to. Her life experience and compassion was something I could relate to being in my sixties. Debbie is too hyper and over the top…I have lost interest in watching what was my favorite at Lunch time.
I’m extremely disappointed in your firing Christina….without even a “Good Bye” Shame!!! Count me out as a viewer. I’ll write the sponsors and tell them why I no longer watch. She was a wonderful example of style and class for older women. She could also be a classy mentor for the ‘young chicks’ who will indeed age…sooner than they think.
Well said, Lucy. Very well said.
I use to make it my business to watch that show when Christina F. was co-hosting because she made it home. She gave that show depth. I was so proud that she got another chance in Hollywood. I like Debbie and it will take me a while before I stop expecting to see Christina in that spot in the mornings. Debbie can’t fill her shoes. I’ll NOT be watching as religiously as I have been.
ChristinaFerrare
made the show. I will not be watching it anymore since she won’t be there.
am so disappointed in home and family Christina was the glue to the show watched every day. Enjoyed each and every one on the show. Want watch ever again as a woman of 59 Christina was my hero she loved the LORD ,COOKED,LOVED HER CHILDREN, HUSBAND AND ALL THE HOME AND FAMILY FRIENDS INCLUDING YOU WOODY. Such a underhanded way to go about getting rid of her thought more of HALLMARK!!!!!!!!!!
I will not be watching anymore. Christina was the real deal and interesting. A real classy lady. Hallmark shame on you!
I don’t think I’ll be watchhing the show anymore, I miss Christina too much!
I am so disappointed in the show since Christina was replaced. I wrote previously and feel that I need to add more because the “Home” part of the show lacks a mother. Christina was the glue that held the “children” together. She was the PERFECT companion to Mark, with the sophistication and personal character that is now missing. Christina has an inner beauty as well as being physically beautiful, something now lacking on the show. I had felt that there was something going on behind the scenes in the months before this occurred, that Christina and Mark were being directed… Read more »
I agree and miss her very much.
Have truly missed Cristina! At least Debbie has toned down a little bit! She used to be so silly on other shows!! But she talks too much and interrupts the guests. Will most likely still watch when I can as it is about the only somewhat clean show to see on TV!!
I think she got a raw deal. Debbie is a poor substitute indeed, she is just not genuine. H&F real keeper and more than just a few fans I fear.
think it was a big mistake-Like Debbie but not in the co-hosting position. not as faithful to the show as I once was….Hallmark listen to your audience and bring Christina back if she is willing
I was going to commend you for your great For Love and Honor movie but now am disappointed in the shoddy firing of Cristina -shame on you!!!