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 was shocked to find out that Cristina was no longer on the show. I watch it on demand and thought it was a summer break for her. When I finally googled to find out if Cristina was ill, a family member maybe ill and saw Debbie M., would be the replacement first impression was; this is a mistake Debbie does not have the personality that translate to a caring, family, home type person or crafting personality that it takes for a show of this type. I am sorry, it is an age thing and I have been caught up… Read more »
Miss Christina. Loved watching Home and Family but now do not.
THANK YOU Home & Family what use to take 2 hours to watch I can fast record and delete in 10-15 minutes!!! I use to believe the family talk now I know it was just to deceive the viewers! Labor Day show was so sad taking a look back on Season 4 and NOT one mentioned Cristina!,, all of Mark, Debbie and Matt talking about the show being about FAMILY and NOT ONE of them could mention Cristina!!! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!
I still watch, but sporadically…it isn’t the same show? I too thought it was very sad that there was no mention of Cristina on today’s show, memories of season 4. I guess today (and the whole situation) was very awkward and uncomfortable for them, and they probably were told NOT to mention her…but all I could think of was her…so sad…she truly was the heart of the show. And horrible that there was not some sort of “send-off memories” show for her…still would have been upsetting, but at least there’d have been some sort of closure. Thankful that she is… Read more »
I am very upset and disappointed to see Christina absent from the show. She made the show enjoyable to watch. Her presence and grace were such an asset to the, sometimes silliness and missed cues etc. I no longer tune in at all. Guess it’s in part because of such an ignorant way HALLMARK mishandled this change. Debbie was always pleasant as are most of the guests. BUT she is no Christina. Christina was wonderful in that spot and She made the show. Actually Debbie is like most TV hosts – perky and too “Happy ” all the time! Christina… Read more »
I think it’s crap that christina is not there anymore ….you guys are jerks…always going for the young er and prettier…well I’m here to tell you that you have lost me as a fan.
.
And I certainly will be passing the word…I think the Debbie you replaced her with is ghastly
…and is ruining your show
I really miss Cristina!! She really is a pillar of the show!! I love her commitment to The Lord and so appreciate that the network would allow Kristina to Pray and knowledge her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In watching Home and Family almost every day Cristina and the whole cast became part of my life. The show felt like my family. I appreciated the age difference between the two hosts. I’m 43 and Kristina is an inspiration to me in so many ways! Debbie is part of the family and is amazing! Cristina snd Debbie are both so sharp,… Read more »
How sad not the same show. The comments she was old. Please whatever! Ugh. I don’t like that She is gone!
Today just out of curiosity I tuned in to see who was left .I watched all of 10 minutes,I had enough !! They were talking about their favorite moments on the show.As each of them spoke there was NOT a mention of Cristina.When they showed a clip of their favorite moment they were careful to make sure Cristina did not appear in any of them.!!!! If I ever thought some of them were ok,I don’t anymore!!! They are all totally DISGUSTING!!!!!!! Talking about what a family and how close they all are , and the mention of Woody’s name I… Read more »
Mark Steines is going to get the ax soon. He can’t fake a youthful appearance like Cristina had naturally. He is arrogant, obnoxious and only thinks of himself. Notice how many times he looks down into the monitor at himself. Disgusting. I sure won’t watch it now. You were spot on with your remarks.
I love love Cristina and Home and Family has not been the same without her. She was so friendly and just genuine. I hate they let her go. I am disappointed because I thought she was taking some time off because of her health. Well, I thought she was coming back. I like Debbie but I miss Cristina hosting the show. I thought she was doing a fantastic job. What was the problem? I don’t think it is fair that the writers or the producers did not let us know….
Disgusting!!! My husband and I will NEVER watch your show again!!!
So sorry to see Cristina go. She had a lot of class and kindness, I will no longer watch the show, can’t believe hallmark who claims to be so family oriented with their programs fired her. Shame on you, don’t like Debbie in this new position at all. Hope the ratings will reflect the mistake they made!
I meant to say she was “blown away”.
Just FYI, I tweeted Cristina about all the lovely remarks here and she said she was now away by the love and support. Class act, Home and Family. Hallmark’s loss will be someone’s gain. .
I like Christina and Mark as co-hosts and will not be watching the show. Debbie does not have a genuine authenticity like Christina. Sorry Hallmark, you were my favorite channel to-date.
Mark should have left……This will be a FLOP with Debbie & Mark She has a HUGH Mouth
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! Get rid of Mark lbring Cristina back and let her pick her co-host! MAKE THIS RIGHT!!!
I agree Cristina should have NEVER been fired! She was the show! Mark has turned out to be a snake in the grass!!! I’m very disappointed and will NOT be watching the show. Debbie is a sweet girl and I feel sorry for her that she was thrown into the middle of this mess. The show will be cancelled in no time! The bottom is about to drop out of the ratings for H&F!