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?
Been a long time ,I quit watching the show Christina was the heart of the show its so sad Hallmark didn’t value its FAMILY????????????/ they didn’t even let us know ANYTHING of Christinas leaving and Debbie really what a slap in the face to Christina you friend but now LOVE Christina and Marias show on facebook looking forward to seeing more and more of their facebook blogs
It was totally wrong how the network and H & F handled the firing of Cristina, she was the heart and soul of that show. I no longer watch, I think Debbie is fine in very small doses.. not for 2 hours and I won’t watch on principle anyway. They made a BIG mistake by letting her go! You have lost a LOT of viewers.
Loved the show- past tense! Christina WAS the loving , peaceful part of my day. I did give it a chance- not the same type of show – too new wave, loud, aggressive! Why the decision to be like the View or the Talk? Don’t watch those either. Bad decision Hallmark. Stinky!
I remember when Debbie was one of the hosts on The View. Nothing again her, but I didn’t care for her hosting style on that show. Unfortunately, I think it’s more of a personality thing because I also don’t care for her now as one of the main hosts on Home & Family. I much preferred Cristina Ferrare and feel letting her go was a mistake. Although I don’t watch Home & Family on a daily basis, without Cristina as one of the hosts, I don’t plan on tuning in anymore. I like Mark and felt the on-air relationship between… Read more »
Yes I used to watch the show and I liked Cristina Ferrare as the hostess – she was funny and such a good match for this type of show. I was surprised when I saw Debbie, but I just thought maybe she was filling and Cristina was on vacation. Not a fan of Debbie – she is very annoying and I don’t think she adds anything to the show. I don’t care if they cancel it or not – will not be watching even though I do like Mark. So sorry to see Cristina go – she really did make… Read more »
I watch The Hallmark Chanel all the time and especially enjoyed The Home and Family show. Christina made that show and made it one big family. Kicking her out seems wrong. Is it just because she was older? You made a bad decision. I’m not watching Hallmark any,ore.
I think it was just awful. I had missed some episodes of the show so I wasn’t sure what was going on. I will NOT be watching anymore episodes that’s for sure. I liked the show just the way it was and they made it this far because of the Hosts. It saddens me and I wish Cristina the best of luck and KARMA always prevails
ALSO: NO LONGER A VIEWER
OMG!!! Pissed! I have been gone for the summer and have just tuned back in to H&F! I had recorded several episodes a week and just thought she was on vacation. Did not see an episode of her explaining her absence. Sooooo shocked to see it was an elective decision for Hallmark executives to replace her with above all Debbie; very annoying! Christina was the “Regal” in the show! Her television experience surpasses everyone on the show! The gleam in her eyes as she hosts exhibits her LOVE and DEVOTION for H&F and that CANNOT be matched! Why would this… Read more »
I have spent the entire summer awaiting Christina’s return. Now I’m devastated to learn that she will not be returning as host to the show! While Debbie has been an invaluable part of the show, Christina and Mark have an incredible chemistry that just cannot be replaced. My mornings are not complete without watching the show and it’s been difficult to get into it without Christina. While I’m happy that the show will go on, this is where I have to bow out. Best of Luck to all of those at Home and Family.
Hallmark, what were you thinking? I thought Cristina was on break for the summer and in search of finding out when she was returning, discovered she was let go. If the show was called, “Awesome Arms and Just a Little Too Much,” then Debbie would be a perfect host. Debbie as a contributor a couple times a week, was refreshing. But, being that it is called, Home and Family, Cristina exemplified the “Home” part with her graciousness and class which now the show lacks. As far as the “Family,” part, letting Cristina go especially without the fanfare and appreciation she… Read more »
I don’t feel show should be canceled but hallmark I’m surprised as Cristina you were that show , but God has better things in store for you keep your chin up lots of prayers send your way to have a better day
I did wonder why Cristina was not on the show and it does not feel like home anymore as her presence there was powerful, but know there is emptiness, such a shame God Bless you Cristina in all that you do miss you
Tried to watch since the changes but cannot do it!! Not any good anymore!!
I So am missing Christina being the Host … although Debbi has added her own special flair .I think that I related much more to Christina and her self confidence and just her “Down to Eath” personality .She is missed !
WILL WATCH SHOW LESS FREQUENTLY DUE TO THIS CHANGE. BAD MOVE.