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?
It was a huge mistake to replace Cristina. I have loved her for many years. I MiSS YOU,CRISITINA….epic fail…Home and Family…
To answer the question…It was the wrong idea to replace Christina on Home and Family! I try to watch now but do not feel the same energy. Debbie is way too stiff for that role. She needs more life and experience to pull it off and has not the charm nor grace Christina naturally carried off that drew the audience in. I personally could handle a careful replacement for Mark but not Christina…she is the show!! The Network has really goofed up ! I have a feeling Hallmark will be doing much damage control for the next few months as… Read more »
Just realized Christina has been replaced by Debibie. Show not the same, sorry, used to tape shows but won’t anymore.
I loved Cristina. Debbie is just ok……Cristina was GREAT!! Big mistake Hallmark!!!
I I’ll no longer be watching the show. I watched it everyday to see Christina, she made the show. It just isn’t the same without her. I see Debbie every night on The Insider, and she is good on that show. This show. Not so much. Hopefully Christina will get another show on another station, or even Hallmark I truly. Believe Hallmark made a big mistake firing Christina, big, huge. Shame on you!
So horrible!! Age discrimination in real time. They should have gotten rid of Mark instead!
I have waited until today to make my comment’s in order to attempt a fair response. I miss Christina’s grace and humor. She brought a natural emotion to the show that is missing today. There is nothing wrong with Debbie, but she does not have the ease of laughter that Christine showed in laughing at herself and the situations. She does not interact as naturally with the other’s. Age is a natural part of life and removing someone And replacing them with a youngster person does not improve your show. From what I see, and from our houses, we are… Read more »
I have tried watching the show……….I will not be tuning in again. Cristina was the reason I watched this show……..very stiff and uncomfortable without her.
I too am ashamed of Hallmark or whoever made decision to remove a graceful and delightful co host.
Bad form……..there are a lot of seniors who make your ratings guys……….
If this is ageism it is a huge mistake. Many of us are closer in age to Christine and loved her approach. The show has a much younger twist aimed at thirty somethings who have less spending power.
I love the network, the show, but I do miss Christina, it is a completely different show, not necessarily better. I am surprised that they played the youth card, they are such a great network that has so many fantastic shows, not really loving the new girl, she over acts.
Debbie will never replace Christine. I only watched cause I liked her. My home and family days are. Debbie is trying to hard, and it definitely ain’t working. They blew it when they let Christine go. These networks never learn do they? What do you think?
Christina is a beautiful woman in every sense of the word!
She is a true inspiration to all generation and that is so rare in the world today.! What are you thinking? We don’t need more of the same and all the info and crafts can be found online. Your show has lost it’s crown jewel and the value is gone. That coupled with the way she was treated and I will not watch this show anymore. You showed us the trouble with families today – no real love, just love of self.
Debbie is ok and she was good at what she did in a support role, but I LOVE Christina. It’s a shame she will no longer host the show because she is so REAL and I would think most people really related to her. She’s a beautiful, graceful, gracious mature woman and as far as I’m concerned she was the heart of the show. So I guess, once again, youth won out. I watched for the first time today since Christina has been gone. NOT THE SAME. She left a huge gap. Shame on Hallmark. I probably will not watch… Read more »
I will NEVER watch the show again. Christina Ferrare is a really good person, and it is unfair that they let her go.
I love Debbie, but shs is no Cristina. The first day I turned on the show and saw she wasn’t there, I thought shs was on vacation and I couldn’t wait for her return; Now I’m hurt. I think they made a mistake and I dont watch so much anymore.