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 stunned that Christina has been permanently replaced. I’ve enjoyed the show for years, and adjusted my schedule even doctor’s appointments to view it. But now, since Christina departure, I will no longer look forward to seeing the show. Whether it was because of her age, for her to be replaced, it was a grave mistake. Others on the show do not have near the experience nor talent that Christina has. Hallmark, I thought you had something good by having a host that was interesting, genuine, mature, classy, witty and made the show feel like home. Not any more.… Read more »
Today is Sept. 7 and I decided to watch show again, the football player who was fixing “his” steaks , he was putting seasonings on and she decided he wasn’t putting enough on steaks so she herself decided to add more which could have been too much and ruined the steak. If she is going to be hostess she needs to let the guest decide how they want things done, not her, nobody tells her how to cook in her segment. That is another strong reason, Cristina would never have done that unless asked to help. Sorry again, have given… Read more »
Don’t like networks decision!!!!
I miss her; she made the show entertaining. She is probably the reason I watched the show.
I just realized that Cristina was not on a summer break. I truly will miss her presence. While exs. are looking for a younger demographics, those of us over 50 still have more expendable income and we are home to watch the show. This was a big mistake. The show is not better, just disappointing.
I miss Cristina so much!! I loved her warmth, wisdom and humor. She genuinely cared for and was interested in the people that she interviewed. I do not think anyone can truly replace a lady like her. She was one of a kind and I am afraid you will lose viewers because of her exit. Sometimes women of a certain age have the experience of knowing how to make the viewer feel liike they are part of the show. Cristina did that and more!
Sorry Hallmark, but I am disappointed in this move.
Sally, you said all the things I’m feeling. Well done
What is wrong with these people at Hallmark – I watched the show to see her .
No I am not happy with change.Network s these days seem to want younger,thinner woman in front of tv cameras.No I will not watch the program ever again.Reminds me of what happened on Dances with the Stars.I cannot believe these networks.our home will not watch that network program.
I forgot what happened on Dancing with the Stars?
I have been missing Cristina, however I am not the demographic they are seeking to attract (female over 54). I find it particularly cold that Mark structured his surprise wedding to exclude any possibility of Cristina attending. I know they were “TV” family but they sure had me sold that there was genuine affection for each other. Fool me once…… I now enjoy the show recorded so that I can focus on the DIY department, outdoor planting sections and food science segments and buzz past Debbie and Mark when possible. I always get the impression that Mark would rather be… Read more »
I watched for Christina to be at Mark’s wedding as a friend of his family. I listen for any mention of Christina on the show. Is this the Christian thing to turn your back on someone you have been so close to? Debbie was good as a member, but as a hostess, she is lacking. She keeps looking at the monitor to see if she looks OK. You could at least have Christina as a cooking or flower arranging, (which by the way, are now ugg). Where are her daughters? They were guests once in a while. Again, is it… Read more »
I am so disappointed, sad, and not really as wanting to watch the show as much. When I did watch, I missed her and her wonderful presence and grace. Some of the magic is gone.
All of the changes they have made to draw in viewers have made me run in the other direction They have lost their base by trying to bring in others. Very few of the ones that I have loved watching as Family in the last few years are rarely on now…the crafts are not nearly as fun or useful and the food…blah
I now do my cleaning from 10-12.
I miss Christina, don’t like how she was replaced. I no longer watch the show, because I feel the network (or whoever they may be) did very wrong to a very wonderful co=host and nice lady. I love you Christina. Debbie….UGH!
The show is not the same without Christine! I was hoping she was just on vacation until I did some research.
I will no longer watch Home & Family. It was so easy to see that Mark & Christina were friends and really respected each other. Christina wasn’t always trying to get a laugh at Marks expense. It was just great to watch those two and to hear their love of others and one another. Christina was comforting and a beautiful soul. She was also a very good listener, which is key to being a great host.
I agree it sounds like politics and since I have other choices I will no long watch Home and Family either. I love Hallmark channel but since we viewer’s didn’t get the whole story.
I too am very sad that Cristina left the show; I agree with all of the above comments. I don’t watch the show as much now, it’s just not the same. Cristina was such a gracious lady and I miss her very much.
The buffoons at H&F will regret their decision to get rid of the heart of that show. It may last another season (maybe) but with falling ratings and may be cancelled mid-season. I have nothing against the people on the show – they are all doing their best. I do however question the decision-making of the executives. If something ain’t broke – don’t fix it. The show was doing great and they wanted to shake it up – well they did – but not for the better. Cristina has moved on as the beautiful, talented and gracious lady that she… Read more »