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?
WoW!!! I can’t BELIEVE they choose to replace her in the WAY that they DiD! I mean, they didn’t even give her a Proper, Respectful Send-Off?! And THIS is supposed to be Hallmark channel & “HOME and Family”? WTH, with THAT?! So, what…was it just a “…..Oh, and don’t bother coming IN on Monday, Chris…”?! That’s NOT how you treat your people RIGHT!
*Tsk-Tsk* Hallmark (H&F) ~ Booooo!
I have always thought that Cristina Ferrare was the best part of the program. I have missed her and wondered why she was gone for so long. Now, I will no longer watch the program. Love and best wishes to Cristina and her family.
Have not watched a single show. Use to record and watch. It is not the same at all.
Have not watched the show once after Christina left.
Not excited about the new season and changes. I doubt I will continue to watch. Christina was the best thing the show had going!!!
I love the show “Home and family”, I watch the show every day! With Christina gone something is missing, she really added something special to the show,
Very disappointed that Hallmark got rid of Christina. Why can’t the older generation have programing that they enjoy. Advertisers we spend money too. I thought Christina did a very good job. She was very relaxed and authenic. I feel liked the rest of the cast just abandoned her. No longer enjoy the show. Everything is now geared to the younger generation
I just can’t believe hallmark really thinks the co-hist switch was a SMARTmove because not.Debbie is sweet but just doesnt have what Chris had to make it feel like a family she was like everyones mother and went with the shows name so sorry hallmark ” HALLMARK YOU MADE A BIG MISTAKE” dont enjiy the shiw as much Debbie I like in small doses but definateky not as the make of the family somedtimes Debbie makes me tired not rekaxed and enjoyed the show with mark and chris dont record the show anymore
Whenever I hear, “we are going to take this in another direction” it means you are too old and we want someone younger. Shame on you Hallmark. You are not aboUT friends or family. I will no longer watch this show since Crising is gone.
I’m sorry Christina is no long Mark’s co-host, I think Hallmark has forgotten that the younger generations they are targeting with Debbie are all at work at the time home and Family is on. It is us who have worked while raising our children now want to enjoy what a home and family is all about. The cooking Christina did inspired me to try different recipes. The crafts often are things we can afford to do and have the time to do for our grandchildren, working young families don’t have the time to do so many fun projects. Hallmark had… Read more »
Sad that Hallmark Channel replaced Christina. I won’t be watching that show
I just found out today. Thought Cristina was having a summer break. I loved this show and Cristina made the show Debbie is ok but NO Cristina. I remember Debbie on the View for s short time. No more Home and Family for me.
I really miss Christina! Personally would rather have her back on the show. The show is not nearly as relaxing and fun now. I probably won’t be watching…
To whom it may concern,
I think it shows lack of character on the part of Hallmark Channel to replace C. F. for another co- host. I am disappointed in the staff making that decision. They should feel shame.
Fortunately, C.F. Has more class wishing the next co-host well. Can’t imagine how confident that co-host feels knowing she might be replaced by another person at any given time.
Maureen Z
I probably will not continue to watch. I loved the warmth and sincerity of Christina and the easy interaction between her and Mark. Now it just seems less downhome and that is what I enjoyed. Also, it is called Home and Family and it loses that touch with Debbie.