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 love Christina. I thought that she was on vacation till just now when I saw the new commercial for the next season and it was Debbie as Mark’s co-host. I am sure Debbie will do a great job, however I have no connection with her. So Hallmark, I thank you giving me an extra hour in my day now do turn my attention to something else. Christina I will miss you and the holiday shows especially, will NEVER be the same.
She is one of the reasons I watched it. I love her. I am changing it now. I will no longer watch it. I have an extra hour in my day now. Thank you, Hallmark.
I am very disappointed that Christina is no longer with the program. She was a breath of fresh air, and had a timeless personality. I Have stopped watching Home and Family. It does not have the same chemistry, since her absence.
They made a mistake i miss you christina!!!!
sorry that they let her go. I don’t enjoy the show near as much, and don’t any longer make it a point to tune in. It’s hit and miss for us now. Miss you Cristina !
So sad that my favorite and one of the only shows I watched took off one of the key hosts with such talent, kindness, and care for others. Doesn’t really sound like family to me 🙁
I have quit watching H&F. I am indeed upset with them replacing Cristina F. They one show that I watched was disorganized, unprofessional and childish. Cristina offered pazazz to the show. L9ve her.
I have read and not sure if it is true that Cristina was fired because of her age. I sm 61 and just finished NP school. I will not have problems finding a job….I have much experience and wisdom whi wisdom which Cristina has.
So disappointed in the network.
Hallmark made a horrible mistake in getting rid of Home and Family’s Cristina. I watched it the other day and it is nothing like it used to be. The home and the family is not the one I grew to love. So many new people and the loss of Cristina just ruined the show. She had so many great ideas, decorating and cooking, and her presence is missed. Appealing to the younger set only was a horrible decision. We senior citizens could relate to Cristina and loved her class and knowledge. No longer watch the show.
Miss Christina The show isn’t the same.
I will miss Christina..The show isn’t the same
No i will no longer watch home & family. I watched it because of Cristina. I dont really enjoy Mark Stienes. Hes just not a very likeable, watchable guy. And i really dont like Cristinas replacement. No warmth, just comes off as phony to me.
I totally agree with you. Mark Steines is an arrogant, obnoxious human being who does not act his age. Let’s see the roots of his hair because I know he is coloring it TRYING to look younger.
I don’t watch this anymore. They ruined the show taking Christina off. Deleted off recording.i use to enjoy watching not anymore. Disgusting what they did.
I think Cristina has such a warm and genuine personality that made the show Home and “Family-ish” and seemed to bring the show and it’s viewers together. I don’t feel Debbie has the personality your show needs to still make it feel “warm and welcome”. To me, Debbie gives off an air of conceit; she seems more fake than sincere. You might’ve wanted to work through whatever ‘issues’ you had with Cristina because it sounds like your decision has cost you many viewers, including myself!!
Well I don’t like the new show I use to love the crafts but now they are for the young one, sorry they made the changes
Done with your show over this terrible decision. Will not watch it again. Ferrari exited with grace but deserves better. Over n out