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 am very sad to hear Cristina has been fired. I truly loved her wisdim, her funny antics and most of all her evident love for Jesus Christ! She was never afraid to pray and when she did her sincere love for people and Christ was very easily felt. I have always told friends watch Hallmark it is a great inspiring, uplifting channel. Clean humor, no violence , no vulgar language an all around feel good channel. It makes me sad to know I will not be seeing her on the channel anymore .
I feel it was a mistake, I watch Hallmark all the time but I was just beginning to watch home and family with Cristina and I liked her connection with the show. I can’t know get into the show like I was.
No wont watch any more … didn’t like / debbie on the view / quit watching till she was gone and that’s rotten what they did to Christina !
I am very sad they let Christina go. I like Debbie as as regular but Christina had such warmth about her that Debbie does not seem to have. No I won’t be watching the show much anymore, it isn’t the same now.
Cristina, I had to look for you, because I was missing you! I am sorry you won’t be on the show but I am glad they will still be on air. I am hoping the best for you Cristina. It must have been time for a change of direction. May the Lord continue to bless you in all you do, continue to trust God and He will straighten you paths.
Christina had such a way about her that showed a calm, cool demeanor. She had a presence that the show now is lacking. Her recipes and how she questioned or responded to others showed her insight on the subject.
I enjoyed Christina’s quick wit along with her worldly charm,sunny disposition, mother’s knowledge & a lifetime of experiences to share. She brings the whole package to the table & will be missed.
Jeanne Burnett
I watch the Hallmark channel all the time and I was very disappointed that Ferrare is not on Home and Family. We as far older adults like to be represented in these shows. I want her to know that I appreciate all she has done!
I have to admit that I watch the show because of Mark..lol. I am deeply disappointed in the decision that was made. It’s such a underhanded way of doing business and will not be watching this show any longer.
Never have been a fan of Matenopoulos, so will not watch the show again. Love Christina. Hallmark should be ashamed of themselves for the way they handled the situation.
I will not watch home and . It takes Christina and Mark to makke the show.
No one can ever replace you if any they should of replaced Wooley
I have tried watching Home and Family since Christina was replaced. I am sorry but the show no longer gels. It just does not work like it used to. I used to enjoy this show and looked forward to watching. Now I look for other things to watch or watch nothing. Hallmark you made a big mistake with this.
It will never be the same again , without Christina . I will no longer watch it.
Debbie is cool but Cristina Ferrare was the best. I have not watched the show since i found out Cristina was gone for good.