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?
Cristie was the main reason our family watched this show! If she was let go because of her age that is discrimination! Everything should not be geared only to the people only in their 30’s. The show had a good cross section of ages that related to all ages! We have now blocked this show from our schedule, Serves you right if there is no season 6! Look out Mark 50’s is considered old too!
Not watching. Only tuned in to see Cristina.
I have quit watching the show,Cristina was the show,itdoes not seem real ,debbie does not have the real personality that cristina has Cristina was not forced it was natural and real its not apealing to me anymore
I am extremely disappointed with Hallmark in the way this situation was handled.
I truly only watched the show because of Cristina. She’s so elegant and full of grace and boy can she cook! What the network and Woody did to her was so opposite of Cristina!! I can no longer watch anymore. I tried, but Debbie is hyper and interrupt guests and all she cooks is Greek food. She rushes the chefs in the kitchen and makes a mess of their presentations. It’s just like a circus now!!!!
no I am not glad or happy that you replace Christina for a younger version which never fit her shoes ! I admire her and will keep my respects to her for a fine show!
what makes you think your always make a good decision? she was the best hostess along with Mark!
I do not watch the show any more! It was so disrespectful of the way they treated her! I always looked forward to seeing her everyday on the show. I miss her so much! Such a sweet lady and very talented. She needs her own cooking and craft show.
No disrespect to Debbie but it is not the same anymore because Debbie does not have the craft and cooking experience like Christina did so kind of a let down. Not enjoyable anymore need to find another show to walk.
I ONLY watched the show because of Cristina. She is a person that I as a woman, mother, and wife, could respect and learn from. Like a best friend to help with ideas on life and relations. You guys blew it. I haven’t watched it since I saw a new co-host. DONE!
Yes 100%
Home and Family… Both words are comforting with warmth and a welcoming return. Without Cristina I feel that comfort of coming home for the holidays, that warm and fuzzy feeling is gone. If you are a young upcoming executive then hey the vibe is headed more in your direction. Being a mother of 3 grown daughters I know that Hallmark isn’t their type of program and I would be curious to see the demographics of viewers; I am 57 years of age but still act much younger I am told! One of our TV’s downstairs continuously stays on the Hallmark… Read more »
I also felt Mark was snapped and rude many times to Christina…and like you said she always brushed it off gracefully….when we would leave and take vacations I would never miss him and fully enjoyed Christina with her other male co-star….but when she was gone….it wasn’t the same….I too hope they know what a grave mistake they have made….
I too miss Christina she had such class and grace and her wisdom was wonderful. I agree this was a poor decision. She was showing that thisTV show didn’t need young and blond until now. I won’t watch too much anymore. Deb is funny and cute but can’t take so much of her personality now as a co host all the time. Bring back Christine
I sincerely liked Christina on the Home and Family show. She was always full of “home type information” as well as crafty type information. She seem so sincere and not superficial. Debbie is okay, but she is not Christina. My interest in the Home and Family show has definitely dropped. Christina made you feel “looking forward to the next show”. Sorry for your mistake. Good luck to you. Also, good luck to Christina in finding herself another venue. I hope to get to see her as her true self.
I am very disappointed to learn that Cristinia will not be returning to Home and Family. I like having the face of someone closer to my age on this show. She made you feel at home and was very real. Debbie is OK but not the same. Hallmark afraid that you made a mistake.
Thats how I felt as a woman in my earl 60’s I felt inspired by the way Christina looked at her age yes she is an inspiration to a lot of people and a reason to watch the show…
I personally miss Christina.. She is very down to earth. I think Debbie is doing a good job on the show, but things don’t feel the same without Christina… I haven’t been watching the show as much since she is no longer there…
I liked her on the show..not watching it now..Christina will be missed