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 just found out about Cristina. Today. I assumed. She had the summer off. I am so sad . She was the reason I watched home and family. I love her and will really miss her. I will not watch home and family any more.. they did not do the right thing.
I’m saddened by Cristina being replaced. She is funny! She is a beautiful woman inside and out!. You can’t fake that. I loved the show, I still tried watching for Mark’s sake, but Debbie tries too hard to make you try to like her. Nothing against Debbie but , it’s not a good match. Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, we get Peanut Butter & Tofu. You just lost another valuable viewer.
I am so saddened that Christina is no longer on the show! That’s Crazy! She made that show good! I just found the show last year and so enjoyed! Now that Christiname is gone I won’t be watching any longer! Those producers/directors lack good taste! Miss ya Christina, sad Christmas shows are coming and without you I won’t be watching! I pray the best for you and your family! Be blessed! Their loss!
Just tuned in today haven’t watched in months. Just not the same. Debbie was trying to cook, are you kidding me. I think they turned off a lot of their audience. Why change something that worked for years.
What a mistake. Christina brought class to the show and made it tolerable to watch. Mark has just always come across as a snob! Very full of himself. Somehow Christina seemed to soften the arrogant air that often oozed from Mark. Deb is sweet, but not sure is ready yet for this position. I don’t think she can keep in check Mark’s arrogant personality. He dominants the show and you can feel he wants the attention. The whole feel and presence of the show as changed, and not for the better. To those left on the show who will miss… Read more »
Amen!
He is an arrogant jerk that tries to play it off like “I was jusk kidding”.
i am sorry to see Christine leave – I think she added a level of maturity that we older folks really liked. She in some ways was an icon – someone who beat the odds and was still relevant.
Wow, I’m so shocked by all the negativity. I wish Christina the best but frankly I thought she could seem rude or condescending rather often. I think Debbie has a nice positive energy and seems genuinely kind to her colleagues and the guests. I think the show flows really well. I had stopped watching Home & Family but now have started enjoying it again. I hate for anyone to have a such a big life changing event as leaving a show or losing job, but I really think the show has improved significantly. Wishing the best to everyone at Home… Read more »
I have been trying to watch Home and Family without Cristina. It is so bad! I can’t believe someone at Hallmark thought that Cristina was to old to Host the show! I like many (older) women looked up to Cristina. She was wonderful lady. She showed us how to be a Christian lady, and how women of our age to dress . I can’t watch this show any more. The one who made this decision to let her go, just remember you like all of us will be older one-day.
I have stopped watching, her spiritual, emotional, everything about Christina gave sunshine to this show, Debbie is not a seasoned outgoing spiritual leader sorry but true
There is no reason the show should be Cancelled, but I think it was Horrible the way Christina was pushed out. There was no reason at all to replace her!!!! Everyone LOVED her!!!! She should receive an apology and be asked to come back. Her replacement was NOT a better one!!!!
I liked Christina on the show. I think that Debbie, the woman who replaced is such a phoney. The few times I watched the show, I felt like that she was kissing up to Mark. Hallmark probably got rid of Christina because she was older and family meant a lot to her. I won’t be watching the show any longer. Phoney, unsincere people do nothing for me.
So disappointed christina was the show
Debbie is NOT a Better choice
will not continue to watch this show now
A very unfortunate decision by Hallmark. Won’t be watching again.
I don’t watch anymore since they fired Christina because she was too old. She is a beautiful, kind, Sweet lady. Debbie is a Phoney !!!!
I can’t believe that you would get rid of Cristina Ferrare…What in the world where you thinking?She was the best for your show…She had the heart and life that added to your show…Her humor and kindness was great….I don’t know what in the world you where thinking!!! What a great lost…I will not be watching your show without here…Your lost…
I miss Cristina’s warmth and grace. No longer Home & Family I loved. I’ll miss it.