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 am sorry but never really liked Debbie so will not be watching Home and Family as i really Loved Christina
Well sorry never liked Debbie and will not watch home and family again as i LOVED CHRISTINA.
I really never liked Debbie. will not watch show again as i LOVED CHRISTINA.
I want Cristina back.She is great woman and role model. Debbie is not in the same league as she. Cristina takes the elegance and class with her when she goes……
As much as I Home and Family, I no longer feel comfortable etching it. I feel like they have fired Mom. They lost the “Family” and without family, why go home?
I never was a regular watcher but the show drew me in because it was what it said–HOME and family. Kept wondering whenever I’d turn it on where Christina had disappeared to. Now they can just rename it “show-biz & family” or “Hollywood & family”. Debbie is okay but it was Christina who brought the show it’s authenticity. Now it’s just another talk show w/a few features thrown in. Sitting around a kitchen island or on some cozy sofa does not a family show make! Also am disappointed in what seems to have been Hallmark exec. decision—we get the upgraded… Read more »
It’s simple: I loved watching the show with Cristina, I will stop watching the show now with Debbie. I’ve never been a fan of Debbie’s and can’t believe they chose her over Cristina. Good luck.
As a 70-year old female, I can remember Hallmark’s slogan “When you care enough to send the very best”. Just want Christina to know that she is the Best and want to thank her for sharing her wisdom, maturity and faith with her audience and fellow Home & Family cast members. Blessings to you and your family, Christina.
I tuned in today the first time since Debbie took over, turned off after ten minutes. She is no Christina.
So sorry she left the show. I’ve tried watching with her replacement, but I didn’t enjoy the show as much without her. Now I don’t watch anymore.
Sabrina
Cristina was the highlight of my day always cheerful and caring! I watched her on the first show many years ago and couldn’t wait to see her agian. You ruined the new set up and my friends and I will no longer be watching. Shame on your decision! I hope you only go down hill from here! Still very happy she isn’t sick thank God!
I don’t know why networks continue to shoot themselves in the foot!Christina WAS the show! I would’ve rather seen Mark get the boot,sometimes he’s kind of obnoxious,unlike the others on the show. I was wondering what happened to her-until now.Won’t bother to tune in any more!
I loved watching the show with Christina and Mark…They were so cute together….what happened? I watched it a few times since Christina left but it just isn’t the same…the network made a big mistake firing Christina…
I was worried that Christina was having some health problem but now I read that she was fired. Can’t believe the company would think the viewers would be accepting this change. Debbie will never measure up to what Christina did for this show. She made the show enjoyable. The home audience will never relate to this new cohost. She is very out of place and honestly annoying to watch. She will never replace what Christina was to the show. I used to watch the old Home Show years ago and was sorry when it was no longer on. I was… Read more »
Home and Family Channel? Homeless and Rat Family Channel would better reflect the shabby treatment given to Christina. She never, ever said or did anything to deserve the manner in which Hallmark Channel “disposed” of this lovely, sophisticated woman. She is a natural, beautiful breath of fresh air who greeted us every morning – always with a smile and greeting us, YOUR VIEWERS,
as she would invite her friends into her own home. NEVER will I invite Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family into MY home again. It appears I am not the only former viewer who feels this way.
I will no longer be watching Home and Family. Cristina is the reason I have watched the show for the last 3 years. She is a beautiful person inside and out. She is funny without even trying. Debbie is ok but not for a permanent replacement. It really is horrible how everyone on the show has such a happy face, knowing that Cristina was let go the way she was. She did not deserve that kind of treatment. Home and Family should change their name to how to betray your Home and Family!
Marcia, I absolutely agree. I distinctly remember the morning that Mark finally stopped lying and said that Debbie is replacing Cristina as co-host. After he made the short announcement, the camera was on each of the castmembers face. I could not believe their smiles (whether they were fake or not) while I and most of viewers were in shock. I know if I were one of the cast, I could not have done that-paycheck or not. To me, Cristina is genuine and Debbie is phony. I haven’t watched in months.
Add this to the list… Valerie Harper fired from “Valerie” – Paige Davis removed from “Trading Spaces” and the biggest Hollywierd blunder of all, Jack L. Warner refusing to even screen test the original star because, “I saw her on Broadway and she was very good but she will never make it in movies.” Whom?
Julie Andrews!! Why she was not in the film of “My Fair Lady”! The film and television industry need to look North since they clearly do not know which end is up!