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?
Instead of watching the entire show, I now just watch segments that interest me. Christina was a wonderful host. The “family” feel now seems to be forced whereas Christina was very natural.
Very shameful and appalling the way Cristina was treated. I used to be an avid and faithful viewer of the Home and Family show, but now when I watch, it’s completely lost it’s appeal. So shocking that the viewing audience was lied to for so long! I lost all respect for the Hallmark name. Why in the world would you change something that was so successful? The Hallmark channel infuriated many, many people and deserves to have the show canceled for such underhanded dealings. I’m thrilled that Cristina has risen from this with such class and grace. I will continue… Read more »
That is exactly what I do, I love Kym, Sophie, craft segment & Shirley but I just fast forward especially Debbie’s part, she is good when she was not the host but too much of her I just cannot take. Miss you Cristina.
I only watch occasionally since Cristina was unceremoniously fired. Producers, or powers that be seem to have decided to go heavy on Hollywood glitz & glam, & the show changed focus dramatically. Not so interested in watching H&F since there motto now seems to be here today, gone tomorrow.
You knew her age when you hired her. Not cool EXECUTIVES. Our president will be older than she is. Again not cool at all.
I also stopped watching Home & Family once I was sure Cristina was permanently gone from the show. It’s a sad example of how our society does not honor/value us “older” (60+) people. I’ve got news for the younger generations: you’re all going to get older some day!!! My own husband is facing age discrimination at his place of work. Ever since he turned 60, his bosses have been trying to get rid of him. He still does his job better & faster than other employees half his age.! Cristina, I’m so glad you’ve found better things to do with… Read more »
I no longer watch the show. Can’t stand Mark but enjoyed Cristina and she brought class to the show.
1ST off…. If I get started on All the Thought’s that I Think ..Feel about This Major Malfunction that who ever sits behind that big desk and Whom ever else is included in the ….Let’s see…. The BEST WORD TO DESCRIBE the decision to Cut Cristina from H&F…. FATAL !!!!! The way I seen and still see…. Cristina was The Main Artery …. She was the Dolly at Dollywood… The Funny Lucy in I Love Lucy… Caroline in Little House who showed Kindness and You felt her Gentleness …. Then Olivia Walton…. Tough Woman…. Strong…Giving and Loved Unconditionally !!!! Cristina… Read more »
so true Rhonda…..I agree 100%
I am very disappointed in how the Hallmark Networked handled this, and considered them as not being the family network they portray themselves as being. They have proven to be caught up in their own selfish agenda, like many other networks.. It would have been nice of them to at least let all of her many fans say their goodbyes and prepare for this in their own way. It doesn’t matter her age, as one comment states. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Mark and the rest of them love her for who she is, as did many… Read more »
I was devastated whenI learned that Cristina was let go , I watched that show religiously because of her !! She is Home and Family and genuine and could relate to her ! What is going on with Hallmark , I feels its a slap in the face to replace her with someone who was weekly guest and why because she is younger. So done with that show! I wish Cristina all the best and its their loss.
I stoped watching when she replaced page. She was old enough to be marks mother and she kept feeding him. It made me sick. Glad Debbie is on. I am in my sixties and would feel weird hosting a show with someone marks age.
Are you serious? They were cohosting a show, not dating. They seemed to be good friends and she brought a lot of class to the show. The station did not show much class the way they handled it.
I am in my 60’s as well but have a different opinion about this than you do. Cristina’s sense of warmth and normal mannerism is what made the show what it was. What if it were Mark that was replaced? What would your comments be to that???? The show is NOT the same without Cristina and it is not the same with the replacement who has a totally different personality. It is what we liked, followed and now grieve over the loss. Thankfully Cristinia is not letting this take her away from her fans. She is a winner and has… Read more »
I think Cristina was wonderful on the show when she hosted it with Gary Collins. I was upset when the show went off the air in the 80’s. If they took mark off the show, all it would be is an average cooking show. I am a fan of Cristina. I loved the !movie the impossible years. She was a great spokesperson for cosmetics. And whatever she does to her face weather it be surgery or just ponds she looks great for almost being 70. If they had a show Home with Granny, and she hosted it, believe me I… Read more »
I no longer watch Home and Family haven’t since the day she was no longer on.
I no longer watch Home and Family. Can’t believe a show that valued themselves as family treated Cristina that way. Haven’t watched it nor have I bought anything from Hallmark. Such a disappointment.
I’ve been a Home & Family viewer since the very, very first who. When it was canceled, I couldn’t believe it. Such a great show. When Home & Family came back, I was more than excited! Now, I can no longer watch it. Without Cristina the “family” and “home” feeling is gone. Cristina has moved on and I applaud her for taking the high road and wish her much success. Our family hardly watches anything on Hallmark any more – most of the newer Hallmark movies are just silly. I don’t know what is going on at Hallmark, but whatever… Read more »
I feel she made it more interesting and knew what she was doing. Now in the kitchen it’s like everything is rushed and not explained. Debbie seems list or like she don’t know how to do it. I was a faithful watcher everyday now I don’t really like it.
Cristina was ”Home & Family’!! She was the reason I watched it. Genuine person! I’ve been a fan of hers with the first show and second. Very disappointed she was let go. Do not watch H & F anymore! So glad you’re moving on! I hope their mistake is your gain!