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 will no longer watch this show. I thought Cristina did an excellent job. I love the Halnart Channel but I did agree with your decision, like I’m sure may viewer feel the same
No, I will no longer watch the show and have not. I got on the internet to find out what happened to her! I am sad and so so so disappointed in Hallmark who represents “family” to discard of someone for a younger co-host. I also miss, I have gone blank right now.. but the blonde really peppy lady that always brought good ideas kind of “hacks” if you will that was probably in her late 40’s early 50’s…. has a teen age son… I am so disappointed that they did not handle this with integrity. I thought Hallmark was… Read more »
I’m glad she is gone, there was no chemistry between her and Mark. It will be a better show.
Chemistry is for Mark and his wife, not Cristina. I thought they were professional enough together. The problem is not between those two. If the network let her go because of her age, then they are the problem!! Some companies are like that though, no loyalty. The way you treat people will come back around to you, yes indeed!!!!!!
Why is it that eveyone mature, classy and that acts like a lady in every situation but still knows how to be silly at times is REPLACED with just the opposite? Even being forced out as she was, Cristina shows such class especially to immature acting, constantly acting silly Debbie. I think that was Debbies plan all along in some ways to endear herself to Mark and the others with her flirty, childish behavior that she’d eventually take over. Cristina was knowledgable, beautiful, wise, smart, talented, kind, warm, emotional (when appropriate) and very funny. I have watched the show once… Read more »
https://www.change.org/p/hallmark-channel-usa-boycott-hallmark-channel-home-family-show-sponsors-for-recent-actions
For all who remember Laura Nativo (dog trainer)
Tanya Memme, Jeanette Pavini ( Household Savings expert) and of course Cristina. All these wonderful ladies are now gone from H&F.
Let’s hope someone snatches them up to create a new show with all of them together again.
I don’t agree that Cristina was replaced, but I understand the networks need for a younger co- host. They should have eased the new co- host in without causing pain to Cristina and the viewers. Trust that this would have been more respectful for all parties concerned.
I will not watch the show anymore, and have not watched since Cristina has not been on. Shame on Hallmark to call it Home & family when they replaced the mother figure like she was disposable.
When Christina was fired the show should have been canceled. Without her I will no longer watch the show.
I will no longer be watching. I enjoyed Christina!
I also stoped watching. Just not as enjoyable and sincere.
I will no longer watch Home and Family! What you have done (replace older for younger) is appalling and I will ask all I know not to watch!!!
This really stinks. Shame on you Home and Family. She has been such a great host. Bring her back.
i personally think debbie gets on my nerves. she thinks she is funny when she is not. she always feels the need to outshine others. a good host lets the guest shine. christina was truly in all honesty, let go because they wanted a younger host to reach younger viewers. in my opinion with age comes wisdom and when you are doing basically a DIY segment or commenting on experiences, that is what you need, wisdom, debbie is way too perky but its more of a fake perky. christina was like the most of us. classy, beautiful women who obviously… Read more »
Please Bring Cristina back!! We will no longer watch your show with out her..
Please Bring her back!!