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?
Sorry nothing against Debbie, but why would this show’s producers ditch Cristina and shame her in this manner. Cristina is such a wonderful person. A reason why people watched this show. What kind of “home” and “family” would run off a family member in this manner. I wish you only better in your future beautiful Cristina!
Looks like age discrimination to me. She did a fabulous job. I won’t watch anymore. I saw a sample on Thursday. Not impressed.
I new something was wrong when I didn’t see Christina,, so very angry… will not be watching any time soon….Hello Steve Harvey!!!!!
I will no longer watch this show. It was calming, respectful and full of elegance. Nothing against Deb but she is not the type for this kind of show..so once again it’s getting harder and harder to watch anything decent anymore, you just went and ruined it. Deb is good for e-entertainment or insider or pole dancing for that matter but not for anything dignified, my opinion.
It is very sad that Cristina will no longer on the show. I do not want to see the show to be canceled. I wish Cristina the best and she will be missed.
I’m disappointed in Hallmark’s decision to let Christina go. My wife and I believe that her maturity, faith dimension and warm caring charisma helped to make the show unique. Debbie has big shoes to fill. Hallmark may think they have the success of Home and Family’s best interest but I’m wondering whether they really do.
Yes I will watch it. But why do they have a two hour show. That really is to long. Thank you
What is wrong with the executives at Home & Family. Letting Cristina Ferrare go and replacing her with Debbie M. She was fired from the View because she was aweful. Cristina added class to the show. Mark seems lost without Cristina. I will not be watching the show any more.
Debbie is flighty and just doesn’t fit with Home & Family. Good luck guys your going to need it.
Cristina you were and still are the best. Best of luck to you!
No show for me without Christina! She is the classiest lady in television! No one can replace her!! She was the best at relating to people and that’s what Friends and Family was all about for me! Hallmark you screwed up big time! We love you Christina!
Younger isn’t always better.
Who did she sleep with . Christina is such a lady and I didn’t like Matenopolous on regular TV. Home and Family is slowly slipping into the behavior of regular broadcadting. Shame. Shame. Will miss Christina so much she added such warmth and class to tge show by not being a WANNA BE! Not watching any longer.
Thought show was refreshing and about home and family – clearly men behind the scenes wanted another hollywood airhead show.
I miss seeing Christina. She always added warmth and humor to the show. I hope to see her on another series. Best wishes to her.
Cristina’s dismissal was a hug mistake. She was the heart and soul of Ho,e and Family. I have now (and will no longer watch) since she has been gone. If anyone should go, it should be Mark. He is much too,I have full of himself. Shame on you Hallmark!!
Bring back Christina!! It’s not to late. I Agree, Debi is best for ET type shows.
I am so sad Christina is gone. She was so beautiful and the show is not the same with her gone. Home & Family made a terrible mistake!!!