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?
Omg she was so incredibly annoying…I’m sorry but I had to turn the channel because of it and I really wanted to watch too
I can’t believe they fired Christina..Debbie’s great and all but not a co host type.i think this was an unnecessary decision.i won’t be watching much anymore..
I used to tape the show everyday because I am still working. NO MORE. What a shame to get rid of Christina the way they did. I have nothing against her replacement but it is not Christina and don’t knock Mark he is adorable. No more taping for me, I will find something else to tape. Sorry!!!
I miss Cristina.. I liked her…the new host just doesn’t fit in my opinion. I haven’t watched it as much as I used to and now that I know she was fired, I probably won’t watch it. Sad to get rid of someone that did such a wonderful job..
I don’t watch anymore…the replacement is boring the show just isn’t interesting without Christina.
Cristina was a big part of why I watched. I will no longer be watching.
I will miss Christina so much that I do not believe I will be able to continue watching. I am grief- stricken. I had a bad feeling when she was off this long.She has a kind and generous spirit that is comforting to most of us.
Cristina was the main reason I watched this show! She seemed very genuine and down to earth. I feel the show has let us fans down and can’t bring myself to even watch this show anymore. Definitely not liking the new cohost.
I am so sad to have Cristina gone!! Her and Mark made the show. As far as I am concerned. I enjoy Debbie, but she is not Cristina. I don’t know if I will continue to watch the show. I don’t like change.
I have to say I am disappointed in the networks decision to drop Cristina Ferrare. I think she was much better than Debbie. She seemed much more natural as a cohost.
Christina was one reason I watched. I liked her wholesome demeanor. She will be missed.
I did wonder what happened to Cristina. I love the show and I will continue to watch it but the network should understand that their audience gets use to the folks who entertain them every day & they should have had a going away celebration or episode so people can feel a part of it. A bad decision on their part but i do love this channel. One thing i don’t like is if it is too religious or preachy. Next time someone leaves prepare your audience.
I miss Christina she gave a real warm loving feeling to the show. Debbie was O.K..in the part she use to have but she is not the mature women that Christina gave to the show. May be the younger group think Debbie that is fine.
Put for the older people that watch the show Christina gave a grounding felling.
When I think of Home and Family, I think of Cristina. What a loss! Looking forward to seeing her back on the air with her gracious personality.
I watch the show during the holidays. With Christina gone and Debbie now in, I will NOT be watching the show. She was the heart of the show and hallmark has lost my eyes/business.