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?
Christina is the reason I watched Home and Family. She brought a warmth and graciousness to the program. I do not understand why she was let go. I will be tuning into hgtv instead of the show I had been watching for years.
I thought Christina was just on vacation or maybe had a health issue . I feel the same way I will not be tuning into Home and Family anymore . As far as Debbie goes she was annoying on The View and she’s still annoying . I would rather watch a old episode of Diagnosis Murder.
Tried to watch but with Christine gone not the same. Very disappointed no longer watching
I will no longer watch the show. I get so sick and tired of networks ******** over people on their shows. I love Christina. Nothing against Debbie but I think Christina is much better co-host!!
I am sad to learn Christina is no longer with the show. She brought a quality of maturity and compassion to the show. I believe it was Christina who captured the more mature viewers. Debbie is young and cute, but for me, she just doesn’t work as a permanent host. The show now appears to be set for the 20 to 30 something she bracket. I have lost interest in the show.
I like Chistina – she was fabulous. I hate to be negative but I don’t care for the new co-host. The show is not the same – we don’t watch much at all now. Very sad and I think they made a big mistake!!
I was hoping Christina was on vacation, but now that I know what happened, I’m very, very sad!!! Christina was the rock as far as I’m concerned. She’s the main reason I watched! Guess I’m finding another show to watch now!!!
Christina was the show. Now it needs to just fade into oblivion. The faces left behind are no talents and wanna bes.
Christina Ferrare embodied what Home and Family is. I miss her and so watch the show. only on occasion now. I wish her the best in life.
I am so disappointed that Cristina is gone, I try watching but it is just not the same, so probably won’t be watching for much longer. The new girl just is clueless about crafts and that is why I watch. YOU MADE A BIG MISTAKE LETTING HER GO!
I no longer watch the show since Christina left. Debbie as co-host just doesn’t work. Very disappointed in Hallmark will no longer watch their channel or buy any Hallmark products. I’m sure they don’t care about my decision it just proves to me they are not about Home and Family!
Cristina’s style brought a certain maturity and elegance to the show. Pairing her with Mark was solid gold. I feel now that the show caters to young families and women who are probably working or caring for their kids and don’t even have time to watch the show. I’m in my early 60s and used to turn it on every day. I won’t be turning it on any more. I have tried to watch it the last few weeks. Everyone talks so fast and it is so fast paced that I can’t and don’t even want to keep up. Cristina’s… Read more »
I am very disappointed that Christina was fired. Her warmth and genuine caring and humor were the reasons I watched Home and Family. I no longer watch. I wish Christina all that is wonderful.
I am sad that Christina is not on the show any longer- to me she was the show and the other people was there to help. I have been a fan of her for years . I am unhappy about this decision.
I’m done watching. Cristina was down-to-Earth & it was easy to relate to her. Bring her back!
When I heard she was fired, I was stunned. She makes the show. Is the network crazy? Now the show won’t have a prayer staying on the air.