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?
I totally agree.
Debbie is a big ol know it all and we do not like. So we have decide to stop watching the show and have my inlaws
I think this is driven by Mark and youth producers. Christina was great and added a level of aged intelligence and diplomacy that was missing from all the others running the show. I’ve watched her on any show she has been affiliated with for years, going back to where she did cooking and crafts though I cannot remember the name of the show. You’ve made a grave mistake and the show will not have a 6th season.
I always watched the first H&F years ago every day. Cristina was a natural on the show and I was very excited when she returned to this newer remake five seasons ago. Since Cristina left, I don’t know what it is but something about the show has changed. I’m usually fine about transitions in tv, like I did when Cristina replaced Page. I think Cristina added some sort of a comfortable presence. I miss her on the show!
I won’t be watching any more and show should have explained about Christine’s demise
I was very surprised to see Christina Ferrare was not on the show anymore. I thought she was great. I will no longer be watching the show.
I am very disappointed that Christina Ferrare is not on the show anymore. I will not be watching it anymore.
I like Cristina and will not be as interested as before. Debi is nice but she has no personality and seems cold.
I was on vacation for about three weeks. Upon coming home and resuming my regular schedule, I was so surprised to see Debi in Cristina’s spot on Home and Family. Debi is nice, but does not have the personality and skills that Cristina has. I was not happy when I learned this was a permanent change. Cristina was such a key part of the Home and Family show. Why in the world would you replace her?!? I truly believe that you have discounted a faction of your audience that will take offense with your decision. Other changes that are apparently… Read more »
I liked Christina. I do not plan on watching the show anymore. I thought she was a great Host. I too, would have replaced Mark, before replacing Christina.
I believe that she will be missed. She seemed to be able to carry the whole show when needed.
I do miss Cristina but I’ve been around long enough to know there are always changes that we don’t understand. I don’t know if it’s because younger people are at the top & make these decisions. We have to learn to adjust. I think Debbie & Mark make a good team . Good luck in the new season. And Cristina, best of luck to you too
I will be switching off my DVR immediately. So sorry to hear that Cristina has been replaced. Like other viewers I watched and was wondering if she was sick. Last I heard she was on vacation and never came back. I will no longer be watching unless Cristina returns. If this is age discrimination, look out Sophie and Kim you could be next!
When Christina was on the show I couldn’t miss it, DVR, whatever just so I saw the show. Christina and mark had the best chemistry on camera, they were fun to watch together. Christina was comfortable and relaxed looking on camera and so knowledgable about so many things. I don’t care at all for Debbie as the co-host. She was fine in her old position but she’s to overbearing and she looks forced like shes having to work to hard at it. Debbie and mark don’t have the same chemistry as Christina and mark. Home & Family needs to wake… Read more »
Debbie has no personality. Just another blatant age discrimination act. Hallmark made a bad choice. Shame on you hallmark
My Mom (recently deceased) and I watched the show because it has a lot of interesting topics. I doubt I will continue watching the show with Christina gone. Debbie is pretty and peppy, but she does not bring the class to the show that Christina did. The “Powers that Be” need to re-think their decision to replace Christina, and bring her back. If a contract with Debbie prevents her replacement, then they need to bring Christina back as a THIRD co-host. If it’s not broken, then leave it alone. Fix your BIG mistake.
Christina was beautiful, classic, good taste, and just really gracious. I loved watching her and seeing a genuine person. Debbie is flaky and forced personality is a real turn off. Reminds me of the dingbat generation – pretty clueless.
They should have kept you on. I know longer watch the show. You were much better as host than debbie.