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 not continue to watch. I am sickened by this constant replacing of people as they age. I am a supporter of experience and professionalism.
Matt has been on “vacation” and I just hope it isn’t the same as when Christina went on vacation. I do not like this Matt whoever that they have now. They should have allowed the other regulars to take turns in the co-host spot. No chemistry between this Matt and Debbie. Kim Douglass would be great! til Mark gets back <3
Why was Christina fired? I really enjoyed watching her. She shouldn’t have been let go like this. Very inconsiderate. I’ll just find something else to watch.
I really liked Christina and can’t seem to get into the show since she was let go. WS it age? Your ratings willll probably not be the SME. Good luck Christina!!!
I really miss Christina as the cohost of Home and Family. I have watched this program for several years since I had to leave work due to chronic migraines. I still enjoy the program. It has some great DIY projects, good info about skin care and makeup. decorating ideas, and fashion ideas. But I don’t know why Christina was replaced. I do admire her. She is a beautiful classy lady.
I dont like debby.I want the main one back. I am watching home and family lesser each week.
Shame on Hallmark.Christina was the reason I watched that show. She brought such warmth and interest to the show.
I will no longer watch the show. Nothing against Debbie . Should not have replaced Christina. This is so wrong.
Very disappointed in Hallmark.
Please bring Christina back. Many of my friends feel the same way..
I am so sorry to see a beautiful older, genuinely loving women fired so unceremoniously. She was the show. Don’t see Mark being anywhere near as good without her. I have watcjphed this show for four years but began to hate all the silly very young newcomers and diy silly projects they brought with them. Christina was a classy and warm lady and so funny and talented. Shame on Hallmark. I no longer watch, will no longer watch. Not a fan of “Hollywood ” Debbie M. She brings nothing of the warmth and believability of Christina.
Not good to keep changing hosts rating goes down
I am not interested in this show without Christina. She was the only reason I watched Home and Family. If you were losing viewership you should have gotten rid of some of the younger insincere contributors. There are way too many. Christina ,wish you all the best, hope you get a new show somewhere else where you can be appreciated .
I noticed the few times I watched the show that she would ask guests the same question someone else had asked. Its like she wasn’t paying attention. I like the new cohost. I wish Ms. Ferrate all the best.
That only happened towards the end where I assumed she already knew they were letting her go. I noticed it during the Dolly Pardon Dollywood broadcasts and that was right at the end of her time with H&F. .
I was stunned when I did not see Christina in Home and Family. I too will not be watching the show. Christina is a strong and beautiful woman. The grace she displayed as a warm and welcoming cohost with Mark is why I enjoyed your show so much. Not giving her a proper send off? Shame on you!!
Christina wasn’t given a farewell show because she was fired based on her age. Fire Woody.
The charisma Christina has is missed on Home and Family. She represented the majority of the viewers and her cooking and recipes were delicious. Hopefully, her age wasn’t against her and I have to ask why wasn’t she given a farewell party?
I had hoped that Hallmark would bring Christina back by now. I cancelled the series recording and have not watched the show even once since her abrupt dismissal. Debbie has always been too insincere – how can anyone NOT see that? I have no interest in watching her cohost. Christina was genuine, a great lady and a good balance for Mark. I wish only good things for Christina; she deserves them.
Do not Debbie. Stopped watching. Come bac Christina.