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 WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR DEBBY REPLACED CHRISTINA. I LOVED WATCHING CHRISTINA WITH MARK. THEY HAD GREAT CHEMISTRY TOGETHER. I JUST THOUGHT SHE WAS ON VACTION. SORRY BUT THE HALL MARK CHANNEL WILL NOT BE GOING ON ANYMORE IN MY HOUSE.
I was so shocked that Cristina is being replaced by anyone. She and Mark played off each other so well. When I first started watching, I thought they were husband and wife. I love Home and Family. I loved Cristina’s faith. I don’t know the reasons for the change, but I know God never closes a door without opening another. Debbie is capable, but Cristina will be a hard act to follow. I will miss Cristina. Wishing Cristina the very best.
I think Hallmark made a big mistake replacing Cristina with Debbie. I tried to watch today but only last 5 minutes. Couldn’t take watching Debbie. I haven’t liked her since the View. Won’t be watching Home and Family anymore.
I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR DEBBY REPLACED CHRISTINA. I LOVED WATCHING CHRISTINA AND MARK TOGETHER. THEY HAD GREAT CHEMISTRY. I THOUGHT SHE WAS JUST ON VACATION. SORRY BUT THE HALLMARK CHANNEL WILL NOT BE GOING ON ANYMORE IN MY HOUSE. HOME AND FAMILY WILL NOT BE PART OF US ANYMORE.
I’ve noticed changes in H&F of late; such as, I feel like I’m watching a continuous commercial. Now that you have removed Chistina it is not enjoyable to watch. Debbie is truly annoying with all her fake crying and know it all attitude. Just not the show it was 6 months ago. The only good thing now is Orly and Ken. What were you thinking Woody? Big mistake. My family will no longer be watching. Christina added a light that ha snow been snuffed out.
Fake crying and know it all attitude! You hit the nail on the head!!
I am sorry to see her go. She was a fabulous host. Not sure why the change, still don’ t understand.
Yes, Debbie is doing an excellent job as well, as Christina said she would.
Done. Shame on Hallmark. Christina was central to the show. Beautiful sensitive and genuinely kind.
I’ m really disappointed that Cristina will not be back to Home and Family, I always got the impression she made any guests feel at home and welcome just like your own family. It was nice to see someone with morals and values. What’s wrong with being competitive and having fun. Nowadays in competitions you get a trophy for participating. She was very creatived and it seemed like Mark and Cristina genuinely cared and respected,each other. Cristina I wish you The very best. You are a very special and beautiful person in and out. I will not be watching the… Read more »
I was totally shocked to learn about our Christina. Can Hallmark spell: FAMILY? I am sad to have to boycott the show, but this move to replace Christina is not acceptable.
I think it’s terrible that Cristina isn’t there anymore! It wasn’t right what the network did , letting her go, and not being honest with us the viewers. The show isn’t as good as before, and I stopped watching yesterday right after the announcement of Cristina being replaced, and c even that wasn’t the whole truth, made it look like Cristina wanted to leave on her b own but she didn’t! Am disappointed in H&F , the other family members are lovely, love them to bits, but Cristina is the best host! She gave a extra something to each show,… Read more »
I think the whole thing was handled very poorly by Hallmark. Where was the ‘love’ and ‘family’ they always claim? I don’t think they showed it to Christina who was the grace and dignity of that show? She was the perfect balance for Mark. If what they showed Christina in their dealings was ‘family’ or ‘love’ I wouldn’t want any part of it. To let her sit on the sidelines while they ‘try out’ Debbie is hurtful and so wrong. I pray that God will use this for Christina’s good.
Whoever made the decision to make the latest changes to H&F has not really been looking at their own changes. We all enjoyed seeing a young girl, Lori N., come on to the show with a young pup and become professional and then just disappear, only to be replaced by a professional for a few boring weeks. Now,Tanya M. has not been seen lately. One comment stated that Cristina was a little off of her game lately. Well, I think anyone would be a little off there game, if they were having to listen to directions being given to them… Read more »
I have also noticed no Tanya. What happened to her?
I think I read that Tanya left of her own accord to pursue other things. Laura Nativo who was the pet professional just disappeared from the show. I think she was let got as well. Someone said that Mark should have been the co-host to go and I gotta say I agree. He is not funny and can be really condescending. I hate it when a guest is talking and Mark butts in with one of his lame jokes!
He says the lamest stuff during the cooking sections. Like a little kid”. Look at me, look at me”. So embarrassing.
Cristina was the HEART of the show! She & Mark matched up well (age appropriate) Started @ same time 2012! She cooks (for real) has knowledge knows a lot of Hallmark guests (plus) & has handled things well when situations on the show have went awry. Brings love honor & respect as a Hallmark trait. Debbie Metenopoulos was fired in 1999 from the VIEW from Barbara Walters! Was labeled as trouble & (ditz)No way will Debbie B able 2 match Cristina’s cooking segments part of the show which was a (5 Star) Yes she is Pretty & young but is… Read more »
As far as having a going away for Cristina, I don’t
think anyone who was being fired would want this.
Hallmark Channel handled this very poorly. Debbie has tried to replace so many people. She was on Good Morning, Los Angeles for a short time, The View, some entertainment channel. She has never lasted very long, I wonder how long she is going to last this time. It isn’t that I don’t enjoy her, but evidently not that many people do.
I too miss Christina, have been missing her and assumed she would be returning shortly from vacation. Now this cold quick announcment. Oh the door was left open but it was cold with no emotion. We are led to believe these folks love each other and are good friends off the show then this cold announcment. I feel like I’ve been lied to and have had thoughts of why do I really watch this program. Family should be honest with each other. I realize there are personal lives at stake and surely personnel issues but not even a tear from… Read more »