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 think replacing Christina was a grossly unprofessional decision. Christina was a relatable talent to her audience which is predominantly retired due to the time slot in which the show runs. Many of her viewers love the fact that she shared expert cooking skills and sense of elegance and beauty. What does Debbie bring to the table as far as culinary skills go?? Nothing!! She’s a new mother who’s main focus is how thin she appears before the camera. Share a meaningful talent please Debbie!! Good luck with your choice. I won’t be watching!!
Well said. I won’t be watching either. If someone in daytime programming on any channel is smart they will grab her for her own show.
I noticed Debbie wasn’t on today I was wondering was she fired too? Isn’t that how it works? Just saying…
The show will be canceled soon
Give it time
Huge mistake
I have given it my best to try and like the new show. It is definitely not the same. I really miss Cristina and Tanya. It does not seem like a real family now but more like a acting like a family. Whoever decided to change what was working that got them a renewal should be the next to go. A younger market is working and does not have time to watch, but us 45-70 or older have our Kids grown and have more time to watch. It’s sad to let go the ones who got you the ratings to… Read more »
Christina made the show. But as networks go they probably wanted a man to take the lead as Mark, although good, seemed to be her sidekick. And once again they replace a smart funny and creative woman in for a younger model. Shameful! And just wrong.
She’s a model?
I stopped watching H&F. Not a big fan of DM but the way it was done is very unprofessional. I lost all respect for the decision makers for the show. I feel when they let CF go they gave a slap in the face to views that were in a certain age group. I always DVR’d the show and watched every day. NO LONGER. The show is not classy like it was once. Previously I never watch shows such as H&F thought they were boring and silly but I accidentally watched it one day and loved it especially the crafts… Read more »
Sheila McVicar Thank you yes my words exactly!!! Its the viewers that make the show it is more are business then Matt’s!!! In reality!
Tina,I found it very interesting what you had to say about Matt Rodgers.I have a message for him.It is our business about how Hallmark let Cristina go and why.if it were not for us who supported and followed Home and Family,he wouldn’t have a job and a pay check!! I really never understood why Hallmark kept him on the show after he moved.He has no talent,if he wasn’t crying about something he was worrying about his hair,or lack of it!!! I heard Debbie hasn’t been on for a few days,maybe she got our messages! Cristina,hope to see you on a… Read more »
I am so sad to hear this. I loved her. She was so sweet as host. It was a comfort to watch the show whenever able. I turned it on today, and the co-host looked uncomfortable and unhappy. He and Christina had a respect and friendship that can not be mirrored. I am just a little younger and her age made me feel hope, she’s still so loving, distinguished and beautiful. Cedar Cover was the same. A beautiful show I related to with older classy kind characters and hallmark cancelled it too. It gave me hope, something to look forward… Read more »
Hi, Tara
I liked Cedar Cove as well and wish they would bring it back. As for Cristina, even if she were asked to come back; I can’t imagine her doing so. She is too classy for that show the way it is now. I can’t see her participating in all the phony and sillyness.
I was totally loving the show before the change…now something is missing, nothing clicks like it used to.
I have watched the show I am sorry but Christina was the show. I have tried but it’s just not the same with out Christina she was beautiful crazy dumb(in a good way) she made the show real. Sorry it is sad. Sometime progress is not the way. Don’t change what’s no broken.
Have missed christina, show lost its interest for me. Love hallmark but lost disire for home and family without her. God bless.
I love Christina, she has such energy, great smile, very positive, made everything seem fun, DOWN TO EARTH and made everyone very welcomed. She was my main reason for watching. As pretty as she is and very well dressed with her makeup and hair perfect, there was nothing superficial about her. She always seemed warm, caring and inviting. I now tape the show and fast forward to the arts and crafts (I really like the young lady with the brown hair) and forget the rest, even though I like Mark. Debbie is okay and by the way, I’m 76, don’t… Read more »
Christina was the show .I’m done watching it if she’s not going to be on it .
Don’t tell Matt R. that. I was told by him on fb that not just one person makes the show. He went on to say that there is 100 people contributing to make the show. He obviously doesn’t get it…..
Each morning I have looked forward watching Christina and Mark on H and F. Their chemistry and querkyness made the show work. Debbie is ok for specialty pieces but she does not have the personality or knowledge of the business that Christina brought to the show. You had the best of both worlds and blew it. I’m no longer interested in watching H and F but will continue to watch hallmark movies. Shame on you