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?
Cristina should not have been fired. She was the heart of the show that made you feel like home ESP when some like me is so far away from it. Come on Hallmark re-evaluate please and bring her back in some capacity but host would be best!
Wrong move Hallmark!
If somethings isn’t broke why try to fix it BIG MISTAKE replaying Christina. Will not watch again will boycott they showed an tell everyone I known that’s watch it to not watch any more be caused they are discriminating against women. Most of yours audience is order women think about that’s Hallmark.
I think it was a choices replacing her with a younger woman. That seems to be today’s pattern. No place for mature older people in this TV world. Hallmark would be wise to write her into some of their inspirational TV shows period stories maybe around the holiday theme. the media world needs to quit focusing on the young and pretty lonely. She is a beautiful woman with a lot of talent and a whole lot to Gear 2 the media . This will help Hallmark and please loyal followers
Show not the same without Christina Ferrare. Would watch it every morning. Will not watch the show no more. She made the show .Everyone loved her.
I originally stumbled upon Home & Family during the Hallmark Christmas movie season several years ago. The reason I watched it IS because of CHRISTINA! . I was delighted to “find” her again since she was always a classy and fascinating woman. And her warm personality just made the show! I seldom watch morning TV, but I left the program on because of Christina’s style and effervescence . So when I just tuned in today (’tis the season) I was thinking Debbie WHO? Not impressed; so I Googled to learn more about the host change. Thanks for this article. I… Read more »
It was not a good idea to replace Christina. She made the show and brought so much to it. I don’t watch it anymore which is sad.
I personally think Debbie is fake, she was great as a part of the family but not a host. Older generation is what mostly watches your show right? Why would you replace, just doesn’t make sense to me.
It is a shame that a family show feels younger is better. Debbie seems fake and phoney and I have never really liked her. As a side piece she was fine as a co-host not so much. I am not sure of all the dynamics of the characters and the show but shame on everyone for not doing a farewell show to someone that was such a big part of the success of the show. Makes me sad to think in this day that people are so disposable.
No I will not watch the show anymore. I really liked Cristina, she really made you feel like family. It just will not be the same.
So sorry Cristina is gone. Could really relate to her. Being the age I am. I will watch the special holiday shows. Possibly not as often for regular daily programs. Had been wondering about her.
Christina and Mark are the show. The show does not have the same warm atmosphere. I am surprised at this decision. Wishing Christina the best, the show will never be the same.
I have been a big fan of Home and Family and since I found out what happened to Cristina I will no longer watch the show. I started watching this show when Cristina and Michael were hosting. The show isn’t the same without Cristina. I miss you Cristina. Love tiy
will not watch anymore. She was the reason I watched
I am sorry to hear Christina is gone. I don’t usually watch this kind of show, but she is the reason I started watching. She made it interesting. I won’t be watching anymore. Take care Christina. Just remember, when one door closes another one opens.