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 DO NOT like home and family since Christina has been replaced. I have never cared for Debbie, she seems to make the show more about her than the guests. Bring back Christina!!!!!
I think Mark is the one to have been replaced. His ego is always upstaging everyone else on the show. Will not be watching now that Christina is gone!!
Christina and Mark were great together, I will not be watching the show anymore.
Big mistake Hallmark. I am disappointed that a channel which is supposed to represent good wholesome family entertainment would pull something like this. I hope that the reason was NOT to replace her with a “younger version”. If that is the case, really sad and not a smart move Hallmark.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Home & Family over the past several years. When Cristina joined Home & Family shortly after the show began, there was a considerable improvement in the ambiance of the show. The show has a wonderful chemistry that is not there when she is absent. I have noticed when she is on vacation the show is not as enjoyable. I normally DVR the show and watch it at a convenient time for me. However, at this point in time knowing she is not a part of the show anymore, I have no interest in watching. I always… Read more »
I used to watch Christina on her first ‘home’ type show with Woody and Kim in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Was so happy to see them return in this new version. I am VERY disappointed to see her ousted in favor of Debbie. Debbie does not have the strength to be a host. Neither does Mark. Christina was the reason most people tuned in. Christina will be missed -I have no desire to watch this anymore.
I will not be watching the show any more. I felt Mark was too immature and should have been replaced long ago and now Debbie is here and does not relate to women at all. She is so girly girl a modern women feels totally left out if the program. Be careful what you wish for Home and Family!
Gone too loved Christina.
I’ve watched H&F for several years and recorded the shows. After watching several shows and wondering why they kept saying Christina was spending much deserved time with family. I noticed the shows were not as good as they were and then they announced Debbie as the new host. I liked her in her role before and will not be returning to watch H&F. I don’t know how Home & Family can even say they believe in family after what they did to Christina. What a mistake, another viewer gone.
Just came by to see what was going on with Christina being away. Now that I know she’s gone, Im out as well. She was the only person on the show that made it tolerable. Buh Bye
Loved show with christina. Dont know if i will continue to watch. Wont watch on a daily basis. Better have some good guests to keep me half way interested
I am extremely disappointed at the change in co-hosts from Cristina to Debbie. I am in my 40s and found Cristina so much fun. She brought skill, experience, laughter, and a ray of sunshine to Home & Family. I have to admit, it’s not the same, not even close 🙁 and you have lost me as a viewer.
bad idea – Debbie does not have the warmth Christina has – I will no longer watch the show
I no longer desire to watch the show. Christina is the reason I watched it. Why do people insist fixing things that aren’t broken. She was a true class act. Love you Christina!
I will not be watching any more either. Hallmark has made a BIG mistake!
Please return Kristen . Don’t like the show now