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 don’t think that they should have gotten rid of Cristina at all. I did watch the show when she was on there but I won’t anymore. They couldn’t have pick a worst host to replace her. Debbie has to much of a mouth and is way to loud. If it’s not broken don’t try to fix it.
So disappointed to hear Christina is off the show. I will no longer watch – Debbie is loud and tries too hard. Christina made the show enjoyable and was a natural. Poor decision.
My group of friends use to watch on then have great talks about the crafts,cooking,garden tips etc.. But Cristina was what kept us watching. We have now moved on and no longer watch the show.
I’ve been apart of these comments almost from the beginnings , I read them daily.I hope Cristina reads them and knows how much we care about her. You know as they say “friends don’t let friends drive drunk” what about “friends don’t let friends be treated badly”!!!! Why didn’t “her” friends stand up and say ” if she goes , I go”? Most of the people on the show have kids. What a great lesson this is for them!!!! If you see someone being bullied, turn and walk away!!! Or better yet just stand there and watch!!!! That’s exactly what… Read more »
Exactly! Matt Rogers and Kym are supposely Christian; but the comments on their fb and actions say different. They act like Cristina never existed. I saw their huge smiles when it was announced Debbie was taking over. I think they are phony and its all about the paycheck. I guess Hallmark and the cast thought we would act like she never existed as well.
Sheila, I have also been posting almost from the very beginning of this fiasco and I too check back almost on a daily basis! It somehow helps to know that there are so many other people upset by what happened to Cristina and how Hallmark managed to ruin this truly wonderful show.
Cristina has seen this site and read many of the posts!! Please check out Page 12 (as of the writing of this message) for Cristina’s post dated August 12, 2016 at 7:13 p.m. – I was so excited to read it. Take care.
I watched Cristina when she was on original Home show, was so glad when they brought back a Home show with her and Woody. Cristina was great host and “mom” for the show. She and Mark Co-hosted great.,. Debbie is too loud and has” too much to say” she overpowers Mark. Not watching anymore. I tape it and flip thru. Woody,didn’t you haves some clout with this channel!
Woody is the one who fired her and her only crime was that he thought she was too “old” for the show. He wants to get a younger demographic watching the show and he thinks that can be better accomplished with Debbie. Ironic thing is that Woody himself is in his early 80’s! I really hate that they got rid of Cristina. Haven’t watched the show since the announcement was made. It’s just not the same w/o Cristina.
Was not happy with Cristina’s leaving. Do not like Debbie has host. She’s too loud and over powers Mark, does not complement him. Cristiana was class act and knew how to Co-Host! Not watching as much. Very disappointed.
I never even thought of age in when watching Cristina, she seemed ageless ,which is unusual in the youth addicted society. I know it isn’t your style but i really believe a lawsuit is what needed to shakeup HALLMARK.
This is a “family” show and family include all ages……..Mark and Cristina were never meant to be shown as a couple. I just don’t understand how a “family” can throw away their heart. Why have age discrimination laws if they are not enforced!
It seems there must be new management at Hallmark. It’s sad and disappointing to see what is happening to a channel that I’ve great respect for. The firing of Cristina Ferrare is shameless and a thoughtless mistake. Is this how you treat family? How hypocritical. I will no longer be watching the show.
Christina I miss you so much. YOU are a tough act to follow. Out with the old(I can say that I’m your age) in with the new. Don’t watch as much now to silly. Silly is ok sometimes but nothing beats class. Debbie needs to tone it down to be a class act like you. When you lead the prayers at the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals on the show I know you are a Christian. I loved you on the show and I watched you years ago. Glad your not sick.
I enjoy the show and Cristina had a lot to do with it. As long as the show continue to bring crafts, I will watch. There are a few thing I fast forward over due to lack of my taste for it. I have always liked Debbie and I was glad to hear Cristina was not sick. That Colon thing had me worried. Miss you Cristina.
I am really disappointed that Christina is no longer on the show. I have been watching the show and listening to see if anyone would say where Christina was. I also was afraid she was sick. So glad to know that she is not. Christina made the show feel so “homey” and down to earth. I really can’t say to much about Debbie. She is just not Christina.
What a horrible way to get rid of a co-host……..Cristina deserved much better. She was the heart of the show with her class and warmth. Mark shined with her and their banter was wonderful to listen to. Cristina has such a wealth of information about cooking and decor…….the show had a much nicer flow to it when she was there. Shame on Hallmark, it’s like one of their movies where the lead actress loses her job to a younger version of her but, just can’t fill her shoes. Cristina will have a happy ending to her story because she is… Read more »
I don’t like Debbie on show. Christina was way better. Debbie too flighty
I Love Home & Family because of Cristina and the other cast members. But cannot believe what they did to her!!! I only really enjoyed her cooking segment and CRAFTS was my favorite. Networks all over are making really Stupid decisions lately. For example taking our few channels like TV Land are pushing the envelope with programs like “Younger” , etc. This was one of the few shows left to watch with the family! Especially mothers and daughters! She was such an inspiration for all of us. You guys need to realize you have really messed this one up BIG… Read more »
I will no longer watch the show… Christina was a wonderful hostess and one of the main reasons I watched. It is just another boring show now
Was sorry to see Christina gone. Aka fired. It could have been handled a little more mature. Than be called in to the office. And slapped in the face.,but with all that said. Christina,you are missed!!!!!!!!LOVE YOUR SWEET PERSONALITY……… DEBBIE IS DOING A GREAT JOB. IM GLAD TO SEE HER TAKE THE SEAT. I do enjoy her and Mark ,friendship on the show. I WILL CONTIINUE TO WATCH THE SHOW, I LOOK FORWARD TO ALL OF THE INFORMATIVE DISCUSSION,,, CRAFTS,,,,,,AND ALL OF THE CAST MEMBERS. THAT IS 2hours in my morning,that I look forward too. Love to all ❤️
you have got to be kidding about Debbie she hurts as my children use to say my ears. never have liked her. also think they should have found someone to replace Mark for Cristina. also glad she was not ill.