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 am so sorry to hear that Christina is no longer on “Home and Family”. I loved the show with her as the co-host – it felt so special, like being invited into there home. I am very disappointed in the Hallmark Channel and the Home and Family network for taking a unique show and making it like every other network – to many “pretty people” with no substance.
I love Christina. They should have gotten rid of Mark. Say goodbye to another viewer.
I like Cristina, bring her back. 🙁
I am very sorry to see Cristina leave the show. I get the impression that Hallmark wanted a younger co-host. I most likely will not continue watching.I think it really sad that better is based on younger, but that is not always true. I believe Hallmark has made a foolish decision,
I’ve tried to regain interest in Home & Family but unfortunately I’m joining the ranks of those who greatly dislike the show since Christina was replaced. Christina was so down to earth & when I would get my coffee & settle in daily to watch the show, I would feel as if she brought it right into my living room. I’m not a judgemental person, but this is definitely a situation where someone at Hallmark had extremely poor insight & impaired judgement. It has never been the same without Christina. My recent attempts of watching the show every now &… Read more »
I like Debbie…in her original role. I love seeing Christina and missing her. Even not seeing her during the Hallmark movies when they do the quick chat. I so wish you didn’t let her get away. Just sad, very sad. Now I no longer watch Home & Family.
I thought Christina made the show. As an older viewer I could relate very well is this very charming lady. I will no longer watch Home & Family. On the surface this appears to qualify for a classical age discrimination suit.
Do you think that having a younger co-host will appeal to a younger audience. I feel that Cristina is an established talk show host with an appropriate level of credibility. The new co-host will have to work hard to prove herself to be open and honest as Cristina was. The network shouldn’t expect quick success; it will take time to win over those of us loyal viewers. Good luck winning over a younger audience such as 24 – 32; this age group rarely has time for talk shows.
I’m so sorry that Christina is no longer on Home &Family. I haven’t watched much since she’s been gone, and probably won’t in the future. I think the decision to replace her was a HUGE mistake.
It has sadden me to know Cristina a warm well mature women with much Character and Finess will no longer be on the show , I recorded it Monday thru Friday jus to watch her In the kitchen she was alway a pleasure to watch always informative just down right home and family oriented women ,just basically wonderful ! Disappointed downright disappointing will not watch the show anymore I tried it’s just not the same.
You know, I k ow it’s been awhile since Cristina left or should I say replaced but I’m still mad and refuse to watch your show, as do some of my friends. We fell you were wrong, Cristina made the show!
Christina Ferrare was the reason I tuned into Home and Family when I had time. There isn’t a reason for me to watch now. She was no spring chicken, but she was wonderful and real. Hallmark works with older, respected actors in their Hallmark Channel movies, so it should follow suit and have a beautiful, mature person on Home and Family. Hallmark Channel producers blew this one completely.
I am very disappointed in Halmark Executives for firing her. It made me feel like being 60 plus in age is not honored and that I must be too old to watch Home and Family. We are worthwhile and it’s disappointing that Hslmark cannot see that. I don’t care for the new co-host so no longer watch the show.
Hard to believe they let Christina go. BIG MISTAKE!
Christina WAS Home and Family…no longer interested. That’s a shame….