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 disgusted that Christina Ferrare was let go from this show, I will no longer watch it! I feel like she was replaced because she was older and that is totally outrageous! Thats what is wrong with our country that women are treated like they’re not worthy in the work force as they age and are always replaced by younger less experienced women! It must be men who are running the show and are so stupid! Well I bet the ratings will plummit now!
I had been a faithful viewer from when the original H&F. When it came back on I tried to watch but it wasn’t until Christina came back as host that I watched everyday. I have not watched since Christina left. I like so many others tried but never even got passed the first segment. Christina was the heart of the show. I feel like I’ve lost a good friend. Hallmark you made a big mistake ! I can’t believe Woody agreed to this! Big mistake
Exactly why, was Christina Fired? Was it because she is older? Was it because no call, no show? Why? Was it because of ratings? The fans deserve an explanation?
I truly miss Christina. Debbie is a bit “much” at times. I still watch some but not as much. Love you Christina.
I will definitely not watch it without Christine.
I watched the show when first aired. I was turned off by Christina as she never showed, in her way, that she and Mark were co-host. Her interruptions when Mark was trying to do his job were rude and she would interrupt the guest without consideration. She possibly has the ability to host a show but I can’t agree Home and Family was her “spot”. I wish her the best in her endeavors. Debbie is a good replacement. She shows by working with Mark as a co-host and communicates well with the guest. Give her time to “grow” with the… Read more »
If you read the comments from all of the fans, it is more than obvious that the loss of Cristina is tremendous. Debbie was great in her role, but Cristina knew how to lead the show. I can see this may be the last season for what was a wonderful show! I am most sorry for the decision that was made.
I stopped watching .. There is no comparison.
Will miss Cristina – will probably not watch the show anymore. Very disappointed in the show’s choice to let her go.
Christina is a beautiful woman and role model for women of all ages. She had the perfect balance of warmth, knowledge, and beauty we all admired. Also, she was a great balance to her male counterpart Mark. The show is not the same without her, and I agree with other “posters” Debbie is no match for Christina, and she will never fill her shoes.
I am so glad they changed co host! I feel show is livelier, more upbeat and good looking now! Debbie and Mark look and act with more chemistry. Let’s face it the show looks brighter now. I am older female and still like my tv personalities to look good and be good! They are not homey, ordinary people they are Stars! That’s what I want to see when I turn on my tv.’
:/seriously ? The name of the show is HOME and FAMIIY , and you want STARS?????
Christina is better what is wrong with hallmark
The show is just not the same. I started watching because of Cristine. I’m just not going to watch. There is a lot of other shows to watch.
If the network thins Debbie is a qualified equal replacement they are dead wrong! She is nauseating at best. Done with the show.
I also thought Cristina was either sick or on a extended vacation.Today I find out she was fired. What a huge mistake that was. I tuned in daily to mainly watch her. I find the show was cast perfectly before and now trying to appeal to a younger crowd you blew it. Cristina was the heart of the show and you killed it by replacing her. So sad! You had a good thing going and now it’s gone. I will not be watching any longer unless Cristina returns.