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?
The rhythm of the show has changed and it isn’t for the better. Cannot watch any longer.
I watched Home And Family from day one when started on Hallmark I seriously watched every day without fail and so disgusted they did what they did! 🙁 Have not watched since found out about Christina and will never watch again and know many that feel the same! It is a shame they shot themselves in there own foot and know ratings have and will suffer! 🙁
Home and Family has lost me! The show is so geared to the younger set and small children, and at age 70, has no appeal. So many new people. It’s not family anymore. In time Kym, who I love, will likely be let go due to age. Isn’t it discrimination to let someone go because of age? It’s not like you weren’t doing a good job. You made the show the success it was. So glad you have turned your lemons into lemonade Cristina. May God richly bless you in your new chapter of your life. We love you in… Read more »
I have always loved Cristina and was so happy when I found her on Home and Family. I taped the show every day and watched it every night. I too was worried about her health. Now that U know I can’t watch any more. You have people I like on your show but I turned 60 this year and I’m tired of women being replaced with younger women. Cristina is a fabulous, beautiful and classy woman. I related to her because she’s closer to my age. Sorry, just can’t watch anymore.
I’ve tried watching a couple times but I don’t enjoy it without Cristina. Now Mark seems so old and awkward with his old man hair dye, it’s pathetic. I like Debbie, just not as the main host. Kym would have been a better choice. Something must have happened for them not to give her a proper send off. No loyalty.
I have had the Hallmark Channel on my tv for the last 3 years non stop until this firing of Cristina happened. I do not watch H&F anymore and I cant stand that the producers thought we were so stupid to buy into the whole thing they did with Mark about him talking about his life and family and everyone crying. It came off very desperate. I like Debbie for the segments that she was doing, but definitely not will Cristina’s shoes at all. I also do not like that they changed the afternoon schedule and now have The Brady… Read more »
I am very saddened at the decision to replace Cristina. She brought warmth to the show in a way no one else can. I haven’t watched since Mark announced that she wouldn’t be back. I imagine the rest of the hosts/cast are looking over their shoulders now, if it happened to Cristina it can most certainly happen to them.
No more Hallmark for me! I loved Cedar Cove and they cancelled it. Now they have some series that looks like a knock-off. I think the loss of Christina was just too ugly so I will not watch Home and Family nor will I watch Hallmark.
Letting Cristina go from the Home and Family show was a very big mistake; I watched it because of her. The show is not the same now. I watch it less and less; As was previously posted, I thought she was the lead host; big mistake Hallmark; I also find the quality of the show is not the same.
Deleted it from my DVR as soon as I found out and haven’t watched it since.
Hate to tell Hallmark but women above 50 make up a lot of the customer base in their stores. They buy ornaments, and still send paper cards and invitations. They don’t send birthday cards or invitations by email.
Very sad that they considered her too old. I’m sure a lot of women her age are Hallmarks platinum rewards member.
I used to look forward to the Home and Family Show and watched it regularly. My husband and I even requested tickets and visited the set on one of our frequent trips to LA. Since Cristina was fired we don’t watch Home & Family at all anymore.
I will no longer watch without Cristina! She was the reason I watched! Bad decision!
I loved Home and Family. I watched it every morning for 4 hours. It was just awesome. But since Cristina has not been there I am sorry I just can’t watch it anymore. I love Debbie too and I do not blame her or anyone. I just can’t watch it without Cristina. Something is missing. Maybe someday I will come back. Until then all be blessed. I really do love the show. Cristian, you have a great life and I believe what you are doing is commendable. I pray that your life be as fulfilled as it was with Home… Read more »
Who made the dumb decision to replace an interesting woman in Cristins with a skinny boring mouth with nothing to add to the show. Tuned you out as soon as I found out she wasn’t on vacation. My friends and I no longer watch the Home and Famiky show. Would rather read a book then listen to the current dribble from uninteresting people
I will miss you Cristina. The show won’t be the same and have deleted taping going forward.