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?
Bring back Christina or you will lose a whole lot of fans. She’s the best. What were you thinking when you replaced her. Nothing against the new girl, but she’s just not Christina. Wake up you guys at the network. You had a real jewel there on your show.
I enjoyed the Home and Family show with Christina and Mark . I have continued to watch since the change but agree with others that the show is not the same and I will probably drop it.I enjoyed Christina more than Mark. She was the person that made the show work.
I miss Cristina. I loved watching the show, but it’s not the same. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy it as much nor look forward to it like I did when Cristina was there. I love Mark and Debbie but the chemistry is not the same, it’s different. I would really like to see Cristina back. I don’t understand why Hallmark thought they needed such a drastic change, the show was perfect the way it was.
I can not tell you how much I miss you on the show. I was out for a while, when I returned you were no longer with the show. Needless to say I am so sad that you were replaced. I have not seen the show since then. It is not the same. You warm smile always made me feel 100% better.
I haven’t watched in a while so turned it back on and surprise, no Cristina. Debbie is sweet and it isn’t her fault but it is not the same. Too bad network makes poor decisions. I guess I just will not watch anymore. Good Luck Cristina. It’s always about something else!
The day they announced that Cristina was out and Debbie was in, Debbie said: I’m so Blessed to get this job. Then Mark said: And Cristina can come back and cooked for us anytime. It all just hit me as so wrong. How can you be blessed at the misfortune of a person who was suppose to be your friend. And Mark might as well said that Cristina could come back and clean the toilets. I never liked Mark and I didn’t really think much about Debbie one way or another. I love Tanya, Kim, Page, Laura, the gardener gal… Read more »
Since Cristina left I no longer watch the show. She was the absolute perfect host in every way for Home and Family. I hate that she is gone, as I looked forward to those 2 hours every day. The powers that be made a huge bad decision to get rid of her!!!!! Debbie will never be able to fill her shoes.
I think it’s a big mistake. Christina is great and not everyone is young….I think its horrible and I’m not sure I will continue watching
Extremely disappointed in the network decision to “remove” Cristina. The show is not the same and I won’t be watching anymore. It’s unfortunate that network executives so frequently make decisions that destroy the quality of their programs. Cristina WAS Home and Family.
Won’t be watching now; no offence to the new lady but I can’t relate to her. I have been waiting for Christina to come back.
Home and Family is not as good without Cristina. Bad decision.
I am very sad and disappointed that Cristina is no longer a part of the Home & Family Show I used to love. It’s true what a lot of people say – Debbie just doesn’t fit (no personal attack to her). Cristina is the epitome of “home and family” to me. She is warm, lovely, beautiful, caring, nurturing, funny, smart, talented…must I say more? She and Mark made a unique team. The show isn’t the same anymore. Really poor decision-making by execs.
We miss you, Cristina, and pray that the good Lord will open more and better doors for you.
I haven’t watched since Christina left. Just not the same.
I don’t watch the show since Cristina left the show just,isn’t the same. Debbie is ok but not as good as Cristina. Mark better watch out he may be next. You should bring Cristina back. How is the rating,going since she left a lot of people like her.
I miss Christina a lot. Wish is was back! I do like the new hostess. Christina please make a visit to the show!
Nothing against the other girl BUT!! Christina is the best.