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 do disappointed in Hallmark, will no longer be watchingvas Christina is why I like the show, feel they should have replaced her male cohort, will really miss you Cristina, loved you and you would cohostwith Regis, good luck on your future endeavors
This is the second cancellation of this format and with no explanation. First Paige Davis and now with the very classy and warm Christina, she brought a presence that resonated with all viewers more home like and not so child like. Before this there was the decision to cancel the Marie Show which was warm and friendly and family orientated. Not sure what your exec’s are looking for?? You do however put out some great movies. And Mark Steins is excellent as the host of Home & Family.
I have no desire to watch the show anymore. Hopefully Christina will be another show I do like her personality.
Disappointed in you Hallmark!! Used to be One of may favorite Channels.:(
There will never be any one person than can or should replace Christina. She embodies everything that Home and Family is. Big Big Big MISTAKE letting her go. I will miss her and have no desire to continue watching H and F. I will miss her. Christina is why I watched. Debbie cannot hold a candle to Christina. She may be a nice person however the show needs Christina. Christina made the show!!!! Miss you Christina. I love who you are! Stay well and God Bless!
Yeah I can watch the show regularly again. I stopped when Paige left. Christina left me cold and bored. The show is back to being truly fun and family like.
So sorry to hear of Christina’s departure- I started watching “Home & Family” about 5 years ago. while providing home care to an elderly lady. We both enjoyed the show immensely and cast interactions. Christina’s personality & hosting will be sorely missed. Most likely- will not TAKE THE TIME to follow this program now
I have always liked Christina. I think it is unfortunate they let her go, She was a unique tv personality who displayed true class, didn’t dress like a **** and was also very entertaining. It was also great to see a women over 60 on air. When do you see that? Shame on them
There is a lot more to the story I’m sure
i am sooo sad that Christina left 🙁 i have watched this program a long time and enjoy waking up to see Christina. I like Debbie but she, JUST IS NOT CHRISTINA ! I think DEBBIE needs to turn down the perkyness (sorry)it is not ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT SHOW. I really feel that home and family show REALLY is home and family and loosing CHRISTINA is like loosing a mom or grandmother . She was so warm and personal .
Christina was the only reason why I watched the show. She not only related to the “rightly seasoned” viewers, young 32 year olds like myself greatly enjoyed her presence on the show as well. I will only watch The Golden Girls reruns from now own. I’ve NEVER been a Debbie Mat fan and I’m offended that Hallmark is forcing the remaining 100 viewers to watch her massive head every morning.
The show should be cancelled. Cristina made home and family it’s not the same without her.
Very disappointed that Christina was summarily replaced. She was the show. I watched her in the 90s on the original Home and Family Show and was so pleased to see her on this newer version. She definitely brought a more mature outlook to this show which needs that presence. Not interested in watching anymore.
I have seen other programs with Christina as the host or co-host and ALWAYS enjoy her wonderful personality, her recipes and cooking. She is so proud of her heritage and shares special stories with her audiences. Christina, I pray you will find a new program on television and come back to those who love you. We miss you!!!
Cristina was the show. I have no interest in it anymore.