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?
This is disturbing. Can’t watch!
cant believe you change the hostess from home and family.. the new one does not have the warmth of Christina. The show will never be the same. not better as you were trying to make it. ..
I’m so sad they fired Christina she was the show she was the original host before they took it off the air for several years. I kept thinking Christina was on vacation at the beginning then Debbie took her place only because they want a younger audience. They never had a show to say good bye just replaced her. I’m still watching its not the same loved Christinia’s down home style. She was the greatest host. When Christinia cooked it was like she made all the time and knew what she was doing and not something for the script that… Read more »
it’s been a while since Christina left the show. I have tried to watch it since but it does not seem as good. perhaps because Debbie is too distracting. I keep watching her touch her guests (men) and host (mark) all the time. she does not seem as sincere as Christina was. I keep looking for Christina to star on a different show.
TThis all very sad. I watch this show to relax and stay away from the worldly clutter. I do not know why Christina would be fired! She and Mark make a good team. It does not feel right now. I will stop watching.
I love Christina. Hallmark,. you have made a huge mistake by firing her. Debbie’s demeanor is that she is God’s gift to hosts. Although, I always felt there was some tension between Mark & Christina. My answer would have been to sack Mark.
Christina was a very great host. Mark is so so. Debbie is a No way…..I’ll go back to watching something else in this time slot or past sjows with Christina …..sad sad sad!#!#
Did not care for Christina. Like the show because it is so different from today or good morning wherever. Not a fan of Debbie or Mark but enjoy the show and that is the good thing
I think they should of gotten mark off I do not watch the show anymore I don’t like him. Good wishes to Cristina
Christina brought such a down home feeling to the show – she acted like one of us! The chemistry between her and Mark was like an old married couple. Sorry wont be watching
I can’t believe that you fired Christina! She is the only reason that I watched your show! There is absolutely no reason acceptable for replacing her when she added so much needed value…. the inly thing I can think of is that Hallmark channel must be like the rest of the biased media and you must have fired her because she isn’t a “Hillary supporter”…oh well, whatever the reason is, I HAVENT WATCHED THE SHOW ONE DAY SINCE SHE LEFT AND I DONT PLAN ON IT…Goodbye Hallmark channel!
Shame on you Hallmark Channel for replacing Cristina. I am disappointed with your decision.
I am sorry Christina is gone . She made the show grounded. I like Mark, but Debbie is always so much into herself. God Bless Christina and good luck.
Very sad – Christina made such a great contribution to the show. It was a treat to see someone who was mature, had experience and who I could relate to!
Cristina was the show. She is the only reason that I watched the show. What are the Network suits smoking?? I HOPE THAT CHRISTINA GETS HER OWN SHOW AND HOPEFULLY OPPOSITE “HOME AND FAMILY.”