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 loved watching Home and Family. It had been a while since I last tuned in because of various reasons. About 3 weeks ago when I tuned in I saw Debbie with Mark co-hosting the show, so I thought Cristina was on vacation. Today I tuned in again, and it was Debbie and Mark hosting. Then my thoughts immediately went to somethings wrong, is Cristina ill? Going on line my questions were answered and I am so sad. The chemistry that Cristina had with Mark was very evident when watching the show and made it enjoyable to watch. I have… Read more »
I am not happy that Christina is not there. The networks choice for a “new” look is wrong. I love home and family. There’s really not much to watch on TV anymore but this is actually entertaining. Sometimes changes are good, this one, not really.
I was just listening to this disappointing new Hallmark Home and Family Show. The comment was just made “it takes a village”, a comment Hillary has made! It’s confirmed to me Cristina was fired because she was not liberal!
I believe it was probably political. Cristina is most likely a Republican and was fired because she did not support Crooked Hillary! I hope that’s not the case! Denbie doesn’t have the warmth Cristina had.
The show is just not the same I miss her and don’t know why they wanted to change co-host Debbie seems very nice but again it’s just not the same
How can Matk talk so much today about “Family” with Barbara Niven! Shame on him! Wonder if Christina was even invited to his wedding???? She did so much to help him being a single dad! The only member who looks uncomfortable is Kym! Hated seeing Fabio without Chrisina!!! Hallmark needs to explain why this happened to its viewers! Now I fast-forwarded through most of the episode especially the talking between Matk and Debbie! So so very disappointed Christina is gone!!!
I also believe that’s why Marie Osmond show was taken off she was Republican as well and very well liked by the audience. Too bad!
I agree…they are wholesome ladies with class & clean values…what I like.
Christina was the real thing from the beginning. She showed passion for all things related to home and family. Debbie puts a plastic smile on her face and fakes her way through. She seems as though she’d rather be hobnobbing with celebs and reporting on what they are wearing on the red carpet. Won’t be watching any longer. Sorry.
Totally agree. I believe it’s political!
It is not the same I don’t enjoy the show as uch
I don’t like the change. I watch the show mainly because of Christina. I don’t care for new host,don’t seem to blend together as well as Mark and Christina.
was chistina at marks wedding?
WHY CAN’T THEY HAVE MORE THAN ONE MY AGE GROUP LOVED CHIRISTINA HOWEVER DEBBIIE WIILL APPEAL TO THE YOUNGER CROWD SO WHY CAN’T WE HAVE BOTH CHISTINA SIMPLY CAN’T BE REPLAACED
Went on vacation, came home and turned on Home and Family, wait….what? Debbie, the contributor, was hosting. Christina came across as genuine and intelligent, and had a terrific and friendly chemistry with Mark. Sorry Hallmark I just can’t listen to Debbie, who has ABSOLUTELY NO CHEMISTRY with Mark. Both of them, Mark and Debbie, are trying WAY too hard. The relationship is forced and WEIRD. Goodbye Home and Family!
ALL DONE!!!
I am literally in tears…Loved, Loved, Loved Christina..She was the reason i would watch the show, she was and will forever be the best thing that ever happened to Home & Family…loved her genuine personality, her style, her laughter, her caring way with everyone on the show and the guests. obviously the shows producers seen some thing else!! age>>>>> hope they see the numbers drop..cause that is what is going to happen, I totally dislike the replacement..Debbie..she is rude, loud, over baring and controlling in her new position and with others on the show, the little I have watched it,… Read more »
I am very disheartened that they took Christina off the show . I believe this is called age discrimination . You have lost me as a viewer .
I think it Sucks that Christina Ferrari was forced off the show. She was a fabulous cohort and I will no longer be watching the show.
It’s all political I believe! She didn’t support Clinton.