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?
sorry to see Christina gone donot think Debbie is a good replacement.I bypass the show all the time
I will not watch Home and Family now that Christina is not on the show. Debbie drives me nuts, she is loud and obnoxious. When she hosted for Christina I did not watch the show. She always is talking and doesn’t listen. Sorry you let Christina go
I wasn’t an avid watcher of Home & Family due to my work schedule, however, If Cristina Ferrare was replaced because of her age what a tragic mistake. The Hallmark network’s vision statement is absolutely hypocritical, “We will be the company that creates a more emotionally connected world by making a genuine difference in every life.” Emotionally connected… take a look at your viewer’s comments. Miss Ferrare has the natural ability to convey to the audience that she is very genuine, and that trait and characteristic is what made the show different and special! God’s best to you Cristina, with… Read more »
I really loved Christine and her personality,I think Debbie is beautiful but she really is not as natural in front of the cameras as Christine was. Debbie likes to look at the camera as if she is looking at herself in a mirror ( in love with herself ).Really enjoyed Christine and Mark together as a team better.
What a BIG mistake! Why would they want to ruin something that was already perfect. People need to learn to leave well enough alone. Shame on you to those who made the change.
We have enjoyed Home and Family for many years with Cristina and Mark. Was happy for Cristina when Mark implied that she was on vacation. A lie as we found out that Cristina had been let go and replaced by Debbie. We had noticed for some time that something wasn’t right as Debbie seemed to hog the camera and every segment with some stupid comment. So sad about the way Cristina was let go. My husband and I used to enjoyed the program each day in spite of Debbie’s obnoxious antics. Can’t take her full time. Think she would be… Read more »
I haven’t been watching the show, however, I do tape it! I was watching a taped episode and notice no Christina? I can’t believe Christina was fired, she was the primary host and she was/is Home and Family. BIG MISTAKE, DUMP CEOS!!!!!!!!
I’m so very disappointed to lose Christina! I won’t watch anymore. Not that I don’t like Debbie but the show has become so common. Christina made made it exceptional.
Just saw the new promos for the next season. She is still hitting, poking, jabbing, people. We teach our children to Keep Your Hands to Yourself. It is a very bad habit. I have noticed lately the cameras try to keep the other cast’s reactions off camera, but you can see a lot of people holding back. Also Debbie must learn to actually listen to to the guests and coworkers. She is always looking around, making faces to the camera, and showing total disrespect. Not a good choice for a host. Did some research on her former jobs. Seemed had… Read more »
I am echoing all the same sentiments as all of the others I have read. It is a shame that age has to play such a major role in someone’s role in life. I used to turn H&F on everyday and so enjoyed the fun family feeling. Well sorry to say, that is gone. I still turn it on but only last through about 15 minutes then I change the channel. As the others have voiced, I think you’ve made a big mistake and you have list me too, even my 15 minutes are over. Too bad for me and… Read more »
I haven’t watch but a couple of shows since she left, not watching at all now. I really believe it was a mistake to let her, Christinia go. The show could cover everything for all ages watching, Christinia was part of that dynamic that brought such great warmth, caring and cooking skills. I am sure we will never know the truth as to why she was
let her go. I hope that another network will see her value more than Hallmark Channel Home and Family did.
I never cared for the show, it was often silly and boring so I couldn’t get into it. Maybe it will be better with the new co-host, nothing personal but I never cared for Christina.
I have to admit, I too, have stopped watching the show since Cristina has left the show. Only to discover she was fired…and obviously because of her age!! You should be ashamed of yourself! She and Mark were doing an awesome job together. I like Debbie ok, but I always fast-forward when she is on. I see her on other tv shows and I just think she isn’t right for tv. I’m sure she is a wonderful person. However, we aren’t all cut out for certain jobs. I don’t know what caused you to fire Cristina but I think, we,… Read more »
Yes what is Hallmark thinking? Miss Cristina already. Why do you guys think the show lasted 4 seasons? Good luck with the new gal. I’d rather see someone closer to my age. You guys have made a mistake in my opinion.
I won’t be watching this show and possibly Hallmark in general anymore. What a pretenscious network. They give the impression that what matters is Family and Love, what’s true and honest, but there seems to be a more compelling force at work here, their bottom line ($$). If she was replaced because of her age, they’re even more dispicable than I could have imagined. God bless you Cristina. They don’t deserve you. Hallmark should change their name to Hatemark.