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 really miss Cristina- she was so cool and I think any age could enjoy watching her. She was real and entertaining. Hallmark really screwed up by letting Cristina go so abruptly and immediately naming Debbie as the new host! Debbie was barely tolerable as a frequent guest! I hope you show her the same “curtesy” as you showed warm and wonderful Cristina. Not watching the show anymore because it feels like a trainwreck… Bring Cristina back please!!
I could not wait for Cristina to get back from what I thought was a “vaca” because she could balance out Mark’s immature comments or so called jokes. Then Debbie with her interrupting and talking greek all the time was annoying. The minute I got the “truth” about the scruple way they let Cristina go…I immediately Boycotted Home and Family and the Hallmark channel. I will not return and hope their ratings reflect this loss.
It really saddens me that Christina is no longer with the show. I have faithfully watched this show and enjoyed the family environment and it worked. I am still watching but not faithfully. I miss Christina. She was the Mom and Mark was the dad of the show. It’s not the same with. Debbie. I like Debbie bit just not the same. Home and Family was my TV family, now it’s just a show. Very Sad.
Big mistake Hallmark! Cristina was the show! Debbie is way over the top, and is just too annoying.
Sounds to me like the grandkids took over. As usual they no nothing. Such joy watching Christin a, a class act.
Yes!
Won’t be watching Home & Family any more. Mark is conceited. Do not like new co host.
I agree with this comment as i really think Mark is all about Mark!!! I saw Cristina in a movie with David Niven long ago and have loved her ever since. She is still as beautiful now as she was then.
I am very pleased to see new and fresh host for this show… it was time for new faces… Debbie is very sweet and intelligent and fresh… very good choice!
Debbie is not fresh and pleasing just out there!!!!!!
Christina and I are the same age! I so enjoyed watching her and as others have said she brought class to the show! She also brought balance to Mark! There has always been something about Debbie that is hard to tolerate like nails on a chalkboard! She could be a very nice person, but does not fit as a host! Hallmark you you just lost another Home & Family viewer! Blessings to Christina!
I’m very disappointed in Hallmark. I don’t always get to watch but definitely DVR , to watch later. I have read the remarks about DM, and I’m sorry i don’t mean to hurt her feelings, but another viewer is lost. Loved Christina’s way of always seeming genuine and classy and funny. Shame on you Hallmark. Who was the guy that came up with that idea? Better yet, all of you who agreed weren’t thinking. Last season probably for Home and Family.
I think Hallmark has made a big mistake! Debbie is okay, but Christina made the show! Hope Christina lands another show!
I’m so sorry cristina left I kept watching thinking Debbie was filling in until her return but I’m very sad she’s not returning I Love her and Mark together Debbie is very sweet but Mark and Cristina made Home and Family!!!!!
I’m positive that this is age related. The TV world has no room for senior hosts anymore. Sadly our generation may be aging and show the signs of it BUT we have so much to give back and teach. Christina will succeed at whatever she does. We ALL need to follow her on FB everyday! Have fun Christina …we are still here for you.
I really liked Christina. She was my main reason for watching. Debbie is good in small doses but, not as a permanent host. She’s to perky and over the top….feels a little fake. Mark is okay but, a bit goofy and full of himself. Won’t be watching Home and Family any more. Will continue with other programs on the Hallmark channel but, not H and F.
I am sorry that Christina is gone. I really like her and she and Mark made that show. I like Debbie, but Christina made it interesting. I do watch it, but not as much as I did before. I wish Christina all the luck in what ever she does and hope to see her on something soon. Debbie doesn’t have the relationship with Mark that Christina had it made difference in the show. I hope Hallmark realizes the mistake it made.
Unbelievable that Christina is gone – was she let go because of her age? Shame on hallmark if so. Was thinking she was on vacation at first, then maybe sick. You lost another viewer here 🙁
Well if hallmark can be so sneaking n back stabbing to fire Christina like they did it kind of worries me for my safety to post what I am going to post. But I am not much of a person if I don’t start taking up for those who get done wrong I mean think about it. If they h e the power to do what they did to Christina I mean ok so let’s move onto what everyone is saying. Hallmark is saying they love this new girl lol I don’t know where n who they are getting this… Read more »