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 don’t think Christine answered our questions. I think they fired her to hire someone younger. I’m sure you have a age discrimination case. I think you should just truthfully tell us. I’m done watching the show.
I used to watch home and family show for Christine. I think Mark talks about himself too much and Debbie was OK as part of the show but I’m not loving her as a host I guess I have a better way to spend four hours of my day
I watched home and family because of Christian! I think mark talks about himself too much. Debbie was ok as part of the show but I don’t love her as a host.
Very disappointed that Christina will no longer be on Home and Family. She is kind, beautiful, gracious and genuine. Replacing her was not a wise decision. Debbie and Mark both have a tendency to talk over others on the show, making it sometimes difficult to hear what is being said. I have loved watching H&F, but sadly, I will not be watching any longer. Her departure was handled poorly.
I am deeply saddened, not only for the loss of Cristina to the show but the way it was handled. VERY TACKY!!! Never expected that from Hallmark. She was the heart of the show. She made you feel right at home. She was gracious and brought elegance, grace and class to the show. I loved her and Mark together. Why mess with a good thing? And, especially replacing her with Debbie. Would have rather seen Kym or ANYONE else get the position before Debbie. She CRAVES attention, as if to say “hey everyone, look at me.” She’s just too too… Read more »
My husband told me a couple months ago that the Hallmark channel had been purchased. The clean, wholesome movies that have been available for family viewing, especially what we loved during the holidays may not be available in a year, if management is that flakey. We shall see what happens for the future of this network. For now I have no future interest in ever viewing the Home and Family program. Deleted from my DVR! For those of you whom are fans of Debbie, I am truly surprised. Dolly Parton actually had to comment on her pitiful off pitch singing,… Read more »
You are all fools to let Christina go, she was the show and Debbie can never replace her. Shame on you Hallmark
You have no idea what a mistake you have made by replacing Cristina. I will no longer watch Home and Family, which also means I will lose touch with other Hallmark shows that are scheduled. I give Home and Family one more year, then it will no longer be on the air. BIG mistake on your part.
I am so sad home and family was the only talk show I have watched I loved all the people and especially Christina she was the real heart of show she has kept me company when my husband passed away I love her warmth I choose not to look at show I thought all the regulars loved her guess I was wrong Debbie couldn’t wait to jump in her seat
Won’t watch. Debbie can’t use any other adjective than amazing. Growing a human in your body is amazing, not the color of nail polish ir a designer bag. She’s like nails on a chalkboard. You folks made a big mistake. Cristina was the glue on the show. Too bad. Was my favorite show in the morning.
I don’t plan on watching now that I know Christana isn’t coming back. There is not the same chemistry. Debbie is to self centered and needs everything to be about her. Sorry Mark.
I sensed something wrong when the crew filmed at Dollywood. I saw something on Cristina’s face. Too bad it was a good show, but I will no longer watch.
Really like all the family members but Cristina was the real gem. She was a great complement to Mark. She is classy, sophicated yet down to earth with real life experience. She knows flowers, food, decorating and fashion. She made the show! Debbie is ok but not nearly of Cristina’s caliber.
I will not continue to watch.
I felt that it was so nice to have someone who was not a 20 year old and Christina seemed to be real, not so put on and fake, her age is what made me start watching and I don’t feel the same way . Christina always seemed to be so loving and genuine, not perfect and always seemed so happy with the group, experienced and happy to show her talents and also to learn from others. Shame on the show if she was fired.
Christina was the main reason I watched. She was the Queen Mother and was a very classy lady. I think the show will lose ratings.