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 disappointed that Christina is no longer co-hosting the show. She was such a role model for us 50+ women. I am appalled that age is not valued at your network. There is something to be said for experience and grace that youth cannot acquire. I’m sorry to say I will not be watching anymore.
The show will not present as well without her and there are a lot of other choices to watch……hard to understand why you would let a lovely woman like Christine go…good luck with that terrible decision. She related to the viewers in a way Debbie cannot do, who would make a choice like this? Do not believe there will be a season 6!
So disappointed in the show now..Just is not the same…Debbie does not have the compassion that Cristina had…Cristina was so filled with energy and all about family and home she just really cared and put herself into the show.I don’t feel or see that from Debbie..Don’t watch anymore..Get Cristina back !!!
Blatant age discrimination.. Not Impressed with new host. There is no chemistry between Mark n this Debbie
Will no longer watch the show.
I think you trying to bring a younger person in was discriminating. Christina was a wonderful host . Much like some of the other viewers I did not care for debbie on the view. Sad to see her leave. Terrable mistake on your part.I will not be watching
I have tried to continue to watch the show. I just don’t enjoy it any longer. So I have stopped watching.
IT would be great if you were to change back to the host you had to start with.
The show had a much warmer feeling. Like a real home.
I watch halmark channel all the time. I now find something else to entertain myself during the time Home & Family is on.
I did not care for Debbie on the View,and I don’t care for her now,she has no personality,and dresses foolishly,no one cares about her personal life,Chistina had it all,I was a a dedicated fan Of Home,not any longer,Debbie,makes my blood crawl with that screech of a laugh….bad move …
I think the show made a big mistake letting Cristina go. The replacement I think was in poor taste and to be honest I think the egos of the hosts will clash. I don’t watch the show on a regular basis but know enough it was a bad move.
Miss seeing Cristina, however do love Debbie’s bubbly personality
This was a bad move for Home and Family. I don’t think I will watch any longer. You messed up big time!!!
I do not think the show seems as homey as it did without Christine. I do not watch it as often.
Christine was the warmth that made it family. Will not watch anymore. It lost the feeling of home and family
The show is not the same without her. I like Debbie but Christina brought the family to the show. I don’t watch it like I did when Christina was still there.
So disappointed. She was a big part of the show, & I feel that it was the wrong move for the show.
I love Hallmark! I don’t love their decision to replace Christina. I also don’t watch Home & Family.
Home and Family is not the same since Cristina Ferrare has left the show. I try to get interested in the shows but it lacks the charm, humor and warmth that only Cristina could bring to the show.