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 am sorry Christine is no longer on the show. There needs to be more shows featuring older people. Christine added so much class. I don’t like Debbie quite as much as a foul to Mark. They have lost another viewer.
On yesterday’s show Debbie Matenopoulos called an exact tool a “little knife”. It’s hard to watch & listen to her on Home & Family! Hallmark Channel didn’t really think of its audience when they fired Cristina Ferrare. I no longer will watch Home & Family. I gave it a fair run but now I’m done.
Still trying to adjust to the show without Cristina. Just not the class since she left. I don’t watch it as often and find Debbie just doesn’t cut it. Baby Boomers seem to be dropping like flies from watching. Shame on you, Woody.
I think Hallmark made a great mistake taking Christina off Home & Family. A pretty big contradiction of the title (H&F). She was an anchor for the program and I am personally not happy with the change at all. I don’t get a chance to watch that often and at first just figured Christina was on vacation. I think it is equally shameful that Christina did not get a deserving departure acknowledgment; shame on Hallmark. Debbie’s nice but not even in the same league as Christina as a co-host of the show. Big mistake Hallmark, why fix something if it’s… Read more »
I agree Lori. I didn’t know where Christine went, but I won’t be watching anymore. I used to watch every day. Debbie is okay, but I really liked Christine.
The show is not the same with Cristina gone. BIG MISTAKE
Big mistake! Please bring her back. She was the heart of the show. So much grace and humor and class.
Not a good decision Hallmark. I’m disappointed in you
I AM VERY UPSET TO SEE CHRISTINA GO! Won’t be the same on Home & Family without her.
Why did they fire her????? She wasn’t young enough? I bet that’s the case
It is early August, and I have to say, this show is nothing without Christina Ferrari. She is spunky and lively and fun. The show is missing that. Someone made a mistake thinking a new lineup would be better.
I no longer watch H&F, I am 62 the show no longer appeals to me. The message that H&F is sending is that the matriarch of the family it’s not important that age and experience has no value well, what kind of family is that? Hallmark blew it, I no longer watch in any way shape or form and I will no longer buy Hallmark cards. Just gives me an extra 2 hours a day to do something more constructive than watch Debbie make a fool of herself.
I have quit watching without christina. Big mistake!
Cristina made the show! I will no longer be watching!
I stopped watching Home and Family as soon as Christina didn’t show up. I thought she was sick or traveling so I just kept checking back. Now I know she was fired and I will never watch a Hallmark shows again. (and I am a avid Hallmark watcher.. Christina’s personality was so cute and I am sick of aggressive people being pushy and taking over. That creep you replaced her with is repulsive. I never could stand her. She was being rude to Kym yesterday when I was checking to see if Christina was back. I always liked Mark but… Read more »
So sorry that Chritina has left the show. She is one classy and elegant Lady.
I miss Christina and do not like the show without her! I am no longer watching Home and Family!
I can’t believe you let Christina go, there goes the viewing audience, who admired older people on TV, Just like they did to Good morning American . little do they know we love watching show who showcase our age group too. Big Mistake
I am very sorry Cristina is gone you were one of my favorite people on the show. I thought you did a great job. You had a sweet caring personality and I looked forward to seeing you everyday on the show. I’m very disappointed.