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 posted back when it 1st came out about Cristina being fired (June 23rd) but can’t find it. I’am still disappointed CF is gone. Debbie is no match to Cristina by any means. As most say loud and obnoxious. Cristina was the Mom of the Family and Debbie is the over emotional drama queen teenager of the Family. I said before I would no longer watch but I have tried a few times since the end of June but it is not even close to what it once was, the life and joy is gone. The people left are just… Read more »
I agree 100% with LaDonna. Debbie is no match for Cristina. Debbie is so egotisical and she lacks the caring, warmth and hospitality of Cristina. I wouldn’t doubt that Debbie was a big part in the firing cf Cristina. Other cast members, including Mark should be careful to watch their backs.
If you want to let Hallmark know how you feel about how Cristina was treated,google “Hallmark” and scan down to Hallmark Corporate,and you can send them a message , I did !!!
I will give this a try; however, I have already sent an email to Woody Fraser and two to the director of programming – no one has responded. In my opinion, Hallmark really could care less about how many people are upset by their decision to fire Christina. The way they lied to us for almost three weeks before barely mentioning the fact that Cristina wasn’t returning says as much. Most of us had to go online to find out the truth because they want us to just silently disappear which is so insulting! Apparently age discrimination is not important… Read more »
Just popped in to see whether comments are still coming in, and I am THRILLED that so many Christina supporters are posting. As a long-time viewer, I have tried to be fair and have tuned in once in a while since Christina’s mysterious disappearance. Sadly, I can’t get through more than a segment or two. Everyone just seems to be trying TOO hard, and the pace seems choppy and uneven. At age 76…even though very young at heart….I’m hardly your target demographic, but I always watched and enjoyed every show from beginning to end. Whether segments were about babies, weddings,… Read more »
I have tried to enjoy Home and Family recently but the warmth is missing now. I felt I could relate with the show when Cristina was hosting. Now it is just another show for young people that I will not make a point to watch daily as in the past.
I can’t believe Cristina is no longer on the show! At first, I too, thought she may have been on vacation, like many other viewers. After a few weeks, I knew something wasn’t right. Knowing that you can’t always believe the media, I looked around online to find answers. I have the episode recorded, in which Mark announced that Debbie was “promoted”. Little did I know, Cristina was replaced! What a terrible shame! Although all the cast bring their own personality, style, etc., to the show, Cristina brought a sense of love and warmth that no one else could! Since… Read more »
I don’t want to watch anymore, I agree Christina was the heart of the show and I miss her, it’s not the same without her. I’m deeply saddened
Sorry to say Christina was the heart It appeared she and Mark worked well together Such a shame to dance to the age clock. I did not always enjoy some of the segments for the youner set but she had a way of making all comfortable with what was being shown. She is gone as am I. BAD MOVE
It’s just not the same without Christina.
One of your shows with Nicole J. Sachs last week. Bought her book “The Meaning of Truth”…it’s full of the f**** word. Threw it in the garbage!
I think the show is no longer about home and family! Cristina was the heart of the show and made us all feel we were really watching a family and their interactions. Love the cast of the show but something is missing. It’s Cristina’s warmth and love for all. The show is now just a talk show and there are lots of those. There was only one Home and Family! I feel this was a really bad decision! I used to DVR so I wouldn’t miss, but now it’s not that important. So sorry to lose the wonderful show it… Read more »
We missed Christina on the program. We were concerned about here. She is a great asset to the program. Sorry you wanted younger co/Host. My husband and I watch the program every day.
So much for family! Family doesn’t do this to family!! So much for the show’s namesake. Cristina gave balance to the show and represented your older viewers, of which there are many. Who else has time to watch this show?! At least we know you didn’t set her adrift on an iceberg, but, really, what you did is about the same thing!! Cristina, best luck with your new mission.
I along with many others wondered if Christina was ill or on vacation after such a lengthy time missing. I’m not here to down other people on the show but my heart was broken to hear that Christina will not be returning to the show and what’s worse it seems they threw out their BEST ASSET of the show over age! Christina surly didn’t look her age in the least, not that 66 is too old in the least, but Christina was beautiful in heart and spirit, she was fresh and classy, knowledgeable, fun, and creative. I enjoyed the class… Read more »
I have tried to watch Home & Family since Christina left and it has become very clear that she is the one that made this show work. Sad to say I will no longer be watching.
I am sorry that you let Christina go. She represented an older group of which I am in. What about equality in aging and our rights? She appeared to be such a warm and loving person. I like Debbie and Mark but I truly miss Christina. Age should not be the reason for her leaving.
The decision to replace Cristina was a mistake. She was my favorite on the show and the main reason I watched at all. Bring her back!
Cristina was the main reason i watched the show and truthfully i do not care for the replacement, and do not watch the show very often anymore. Sorry guys. I miss Cristina!