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 feel you made a terrible mistake. Your target audience is my and Christine’s age.i for one do not want to watch some young blond replace a person who was perfect for the job! Shame on you hallmark I for one will never watch Home and Family again,unless Christina returns! You should be ashamed for the message you are sending!!!!
I like Debbie a lot. She is a great part of the show, but Cristina had that special something… I miss her. Bring back Cristina!!
Christine brought so much class and grounded wisdom to the show and I resent what they did to her. I don’t watch it anymore.
You let the heart and soul of the show go !!!! I normally do not watch this type of show but, Christina made the show very informative and creative, you guys blew it !!! BAD!!!!
Whoever made the decision to not have Cristina on the show should not be working for Hallmark anymore. Bye Bye
I too, thought Christina was on vacation. Since I work during the day, I did a daily record of Home and Family and would watch in the evening or catch up on the weekends. Well, Once again hallmark has let me down big time… First with the abrupt ending of Cedar Cove with NO WARNING and no closure with the cast and now Christina – what are you people thinking?? You certainly are not thinking of us, your loyal viewers! Christina was the best thing Home and Family had going and you up and fire her? Whoever made this horrendous… Read more »
When I found out they let Christina go, I quit watching. Simple as that!
She was a big part of the show. They blew it.
So sad,!Christina was awesome! Mark is ok but needs to stop interrupting with what he thinks is funny, I have been trying to give Debbie a chance but just do not like it anymore! I will no longer be watching either! Missing the warm family atmosphere I once enjoyed.
Hallmark Channel made a big mistake in dropping Cristina Ferrare. She was The Mother of the show and brought such warmth, fun and joy to the program. Since the change, the show appears to be changing; too glitzy/Hollywood. Cristina’s homey touches are missed and so are some of the regulars that seem to be fading from the show. I no longer record the show if I’m not going to be home to watch in real time.
I think it was a big mistake for the Hallmark channel to let Cristina Ferrara go. I loved the show. Cristina and Mark Steines made the perfect host. The show is called Home and Family and you cast a family member away. The show wasn’t the same after the change of co host. I will not be watching the show anymore to show my support for Cristina.
I want Christina back! You are losing a faithful viewer who loved the show so much I record.It to watch multiple times. Why did you all change cohorts. It appears there is some age discrimination going on!
I’m very sorry that Christina was fired. I really liked her and related to her. What happened to Tanya from Canada who did crafts? Was she also fired?
Will no longer watch Home and Family
Bring Christina Ferrare back!
I’m not happy! I still love the show but it is not the same. I love Cristina and Mark’s chemistry. That said, change is hard, especially for us retired people. I have been watching but find it very easy to turn off. I related to Cristina because of her age being closer to mine. I just will end with saying that I think the person(s) calling the shots made a big mistake by letting Cristina go. She is the best!