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’m sorry, nothing against the new co-host, but, the show will not be the same. I really like Cristina..she was a perfect fit with Mark. I’ve watched Debbie in her other roles and was not very impressed. Sorry show not going to befor me anymore.
I certainly prefer Christine. As someone said Debbie doesn’t seem as “real”.
I was so sorry to hear that Christina was fired. She was the reason I watched the show. Don’t really like Debbie, she is rude and butts in on every conversation and seems to know everything about everything. Sorry to say I will no longer watch this show.
what is christina doing now for employment?
I loved watching the love Christina brought to everything especially the cute way she had of smelling and tasting everything. The interaction between her and Mark made the cast seem like a real family. I have watched it since and that feeling is gone.Now I’m looking for something else to watch everyday . I think this is totally age discrimination and as an older person I feel offended.
Not happy
What. A mistake letting Christina go or get fired hallmark big wigs u made a mistake must be more to this story…Won’t watch anymore Debbie wd never ever replace christina
Loved Christina….She made the show…Maybe they should fire the Producer.He sure made a big mistake…Dumb nut ..Get a job you are fit for,like sweeping streets..Maybe not that either..
Not sure what really happened. Not for me to judge but I wish Cristina the best. I like the new change.
Home and Family will not be the same without Cristina Ferrare. These past few weeks I thought that possibly there was illness or family problems.Debbie Matenopoulos is alright, but does not have the class and honesty to hold the audience’s attention as Cristina does…did.
I’ll be looking for another show to watch. ~Dawn~
I completely agree with this statement. Christina had warmth and dignity which is now missing.
Did not frequently watch Home and Family but I thought Christina was a beautiful wome with a charming sense of humor. A typically bad decision was made to replace her.
Meant to say Beautiful “Woman” (sp).
I am very sad that Cristina is no longer on home & family , She was the show, I loved her funny remarks, her loving way, and her cooking advice. is this because of the age thing , or are the young producers , staff , tech crew make this decision ?!?!? I will no longer watch this show and I hope Cristina gets her own show
I can’t believe they would be so stupid to say that they needed someone younger. That would be a slap in the face to many older watchers.I wonder what the average age is of the audience. I think Debbie is ok but comes off as a loud mouth air head.the decision not to give Cristina a farewell on air shows how much they really care about their employees. Guess no one is secure in their position. They all need to be in their toes. Any one of them could be chopped. I know God will bless Cristina in whatever she… Read more »
I am sorry to see Her go. She balanced the age gap and I very much trusted her soft strength and faith. I am 43 yrs old. I will not look to watch the show now in support of her. I love the Home and Family show but I will need to show my support. God bless all
Iam very said they got rid of Christina. I thought her and Mark were perfect together. I like Debbie but don’t feel her and Mark fit together well. Same on Hallmark for what they did. I will not be watching any longer.
I’m totally disappointed that Christina is no longer hosting the show. I’m not watching the show anymore. Christina brought a warmth to the show, which I feel is missing now. I thought you were so close, how could the rest of the staff let her go!
I do not watch the show any longer, Cristina was the reason I watched. She just seemed so nice and real. I don’t like the new girl, couldn’t sit through an entire show with her as co-host.