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?
Of course ,out with mature in with younger,wont watch anymore,Kym Douglas had better watch out ,she will be next.
Somebody from Hallmark needs to prove to me that this isn’t a case of blatant ageism. And no, I will not accept a “We’re taking the show in a different direction” as an adequate answer Bottom line: What’s up, Hallmark?
I will not watch it anymore. Christina was perfect for a long time to come. She is prettier and also sexier than Debbie. Very disappointed.
I’m surprised at the change. Christina was such a natural and you felt at home when she was on and part of the family. Christina and Mark were a great fit and I won’t watch anymore. I turned it on and off when I saw the change. Too bad the networks think that younger is always better. Home & Family lost this family.
This show needs Christina. Debbie is overbearing and much less sincere than Christina. Why do executives jerk us around like this?
Not happy at all, nothing wrong with Debbie, but she isn’t Cristina. Cristina IS the reason I watched, won’t watch anymore.
I Wish you were back on Home and family show miss seeing you on that show it’s not the same with you off the show.Hallmark should have you back to stay!
I LOVE THE HALLMARK SHOWS , BUT MY WHOLE FAMILY AND MY SELF WILL NO LONGER WATCH HOME AND FAMILY.. IT LIKE YOU KILLED ONE OF THE FAMILY, SHAME ON YOU.
I can’t stand the show anymore. I hope it gets cancelled!! The don’t obviously honor family and friends since they replaced Christina… that’s telling the public that if you are over a certain age, you are no longer loved or needed… I’m sorry, but we don’t replace our family members when we get older, we love them more and cherish them forever. Home and Family needs to change their name, because what they did to Christina Ferrare does NOT reflect any type of Home and Family I want to have come into my home. I could barely stand Debbie in… Read more »
This show is definitely NOT the same. I think you should bring Christina back. I like Debbie but she is not tas good as Christina was. She was good at what she did, not as the host. I just do not enjoy watching Home & Family now.
Debbie does a great job, but I miss Christina. I have been a fan of hers since I was in high school and saw images of her in Seventeen magazine!!! She is not only beautiful, but a very gracious host on the show, and a great cook.
I love Cristina and I am sad to see her go. The show will not be the same. She and Mark had such great chemistry. Although I like Debbie she and Mark don’t have that same chemistry.
Sad Sandra
I had started watching Home and Family to escape the network morning shows.
Christina is a breath of fresh air! Enjoyed watching because it was so different than the network shows. The term “real” comes to mind. Shame on you Hallmark for going for the “younger”….. Good luck with a younger audience.
I will no longer watch out of principle. This program will never be the same!
I miss Christina and will no longer watch the show as it will not be the same without her.
Missing you and your class act !