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?
We can not believe they went for ditsy over class. What a big mistake. Back to NBC
The Home and Family network was wrong to replace Cristina Ferrare. She is an outstanding lady who contributed a wealth of grace, integrity, wisdom and heart to the show. To the executives of this network, “YOUTH” is NOT always a better choice.
I enjoy watching “Home & Family however, when Cristina was replaced, the show just isn’t the same. I miss the genuine warmth and friendliness that Cristina brought, and actually made you feel as though you were apart of a real family. She is definitely missed, and I hope Hallmark will reconsider their decision and ask her back!!
I have to be honest I know that there are times when this sort of thing happens. But Cristina is a classy women and the on-air chemistry between her and Mark was incredible. I feel she should have been allowed to say goodbye to her fans on the show. that would have been the classy thing for the network to do I was really glad to hear though that she did not leave for illness reasons. I miss her and I feel like if the network had let her say goodbye on the show then they could have her back… Read more »
Lost me as a viewer!
I thought I typed I” I don’t see a connection between Mark and Debbie. She doesn’t impress me in this role”.
I have watched since Cristine was fired, but I see a connection between Debbie and Mark. I don’t think she adds anything to the show. Will not watch again.
Christina is not the one that should have been let go. The network should have paired her with someone else. A genuine and sincere host is not easy to find.
Like Steve Edwards.. They were great together in the past.
Home & Family made a big mistake. i will not be tuning in either. Shame on them. You had a genuine ability to interact with your guests and your joy when cooking was so engaging. Young isn’t always better.
Not happy with the show now that Christina isn’t on it. The show is definitely missing something without her. Dull.
I no longer watch the show. It’s just not the same. The camaraderie just isn’t there.
Will not watch show ever again unless you bring back Christine and pay her more after dismissing her.
I will no longer watch the show. I feel that the network replaced her without considering their target audience. They had a wonderful team with great synergy. I am Debbie’s age but still believe that they are going to alienate their audience with their actions.
I will never watch the show again.
Always enjoyed home and family not the same, not the same chemistry among hosts and guests. Seldom watch anymore.