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?
Wow!!! That sucks!!! Ferrare was an amazing co-host! Debbie M. is pompous, arrogant and very obnoxious!!! So sad!
Very disappointed that you have replaced Cristina. I have recently retired & have started watching Home & Family this year. I’ve enjoyed it but I guess it’s short lived. It’s not the same. I can’t believe you would treat a vital part of Home & Family like this. This is wrong!! Very disappointed in Hallmark Channel
Loved Christina. She was the reason I watched. Her on screen chemistry with Mark was great. Not a fan of Debbie. Will no longer be watching Home and Family. It is not the same without Christina.
I loved Christina and Mark as co-host…they really connected with one another..and u could tell they really cared aboout one another…this is just sad….
I am so so so sad that you would toss Cristina out like a piece of garbage. She has class (Debbie does not), is talented (Debbie is not), was not self-absorbed (Debbie IS), a Christian woman (Debbie ???), wonderful gently sharing in the kitchen (Debbie – NOT), a lady who put her guests first (Debbie does not) – the show was about the guests before and now it’s about Debbie. She gets way more air time as she acts foolish. I record the show everyday and always fast forwarded during Debbie’s segment. WE WANT CRISTINA BACK!!!!!!!!
Yes I will miss Christina, I really liked her as co host, and found it fun to tune into the show every morning. I was so surprised to learn she is not the co host. I truly believe hallmark is making a big mistake. Christina and Mark worked great together. I loved her honesty and sincere love for her family. Debbie is a good person, but she will never take Christina’s place in my book. Maybe that isn’t fair to say. But Christiina is my favorite, and her cooking was so great. The show just won’t be the same. I… Read more »
Very sad that Cristina will no longer be on the show…I’ll no longer watch the program. I have deleted this program from my DVR. She brought class to the program.
I am truly sorry to see Christina axed. She brought beauty, style and compassion. She and Mark really complimented each other. I don’t see it with Debbie.
What a disappointment I tuned into Home and Family and realized Cristina was not on and not coming back. Cristina made the show with her heart and her soul. Her smile always beautiful and real. When I saw Debbie smile I could tell in second it was a fake smile. Shame on you Hallmark for letting go of the best part of the show. Mark needs to leave the show he does not match with Debbie. Cristina and Mark were the perfect match, I have been watching Hallmark Channel now for about 2 years, I very rarely change it, for… Read more »
What is wrong with these people. Oh I know you want sexy on your show well Debbie is not sexy but stupid looking. You’re going to lose a lot of viewers including me. What about Hoda Catby lee? They are certainly not under 40 and they are doing well . You just ruined a decent show to shiw case that skinny ugly blonde bimbo.
I think it will change the show and not f or the better. As a result I will no longer be tuning in to watch H&F. Poor decision on the part of the powers that be. Thank you Christina for being such a great hostess as I always felt like I s a guest in your home!
Also I am so mad that I deleted all my home and family’s
I never liked Mark. He is sarcastic and rude. They should have fired him not Christina. As far asDebbie is concerned. She’s been struggling since The View field her.
I like Debbie but I want Christina back. And I will only watch kyms secments.
This really sucks. I’m not a happy person.
Shame on Hallmark! Cristina was such a warm hearted soul and made the show really feel like it was “home” and one big happy family! It will not be the same and she will be greatly missed! I hope she goes on to bigger and better things and shows you up! I watched every episode from beginning to end and certainly won’t be doing that anymore! STUPID idea! Bye bye!
The only reason I would watch Home And Family was because of Cristina it won’t be the same, it will be difficult to watch without her, sorry but Home And Family will Not be my morning show anymore. Wish you all the best! Farewell!