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 appalled at how this was handled, letting Christina go. I enjoyed watching the show all the time but haven’t been lately due to deaths and illness in the family. I was shocked to turn my t.v. on and see all the advertising for Mark and Debbie hosting home and family. I had to do some research to see what had happened and not even a send off for Christina? There is alot of bad in the world and hallmark is one channel I look forward to watching to take my mind off of that. Christina brought authenticity to… Read more »
Christina Ferrare “IS” the Home and Family Show. Her rapport with Mark and with the viewing audience and the guests was infectious. She embodies all that is Family. The show is not the same without her. The new co-host is nice but not the same. Home and Family is now just a show not a family! I pray that Hallmark brings Christina back!
I will no longer watch Home and Family. Christina was real. This other lady is just not the right match for this show. She just doesn’t seem like a family person. Sorry Hallmark you dropped the ball for me. Goodbye Home and Family show.
Cancel the show, Cristina was a better host than this Debbi girl.
Yes, goodbye Home and Family!!!! Terrible business decision!!!!!!!!!
Well it’s name is “Home & Family”. Family never kicks out family! Home is where the heart is! Cristina was family and should never have to leave her home. Very disappointed Halmark!
Awwww that is terrible! I love her and Mark together. I really enjoy Home and Family. I miss Cristina, but will continue to watch. I like Debbie, it’s just not the same though. Cristina gave the show that homey cozy feel. Like sipping hot cocoa by the fire place. 0
Just can not get into your new hostess. I liked Cristina alot better. This new one is too fake. Always giggly flirty just too much. I switch over to the other channel when this comes on now. I really enjoyed it at the holidays. You should of ask your viewers first.
Big mistake. You lost me as a viewer.
We will no longer watch since Cristina has been forced to leave. She is warm, caring & genuine. She exemplifies what the show and the Hallmark channel should be.
Ok, I have tried, but I won’t be watching Home & Family anymore. Cristina was so warm and fuzzy and the Perfect partner to Mark. Debbie is not. All I see is someone pretending to be warm and fuzzy vs being authentic, like Cristina. Bad move Hallmark Channel. Really bad move.
I loved Christina, Huge mistake, this is typical . They want younger look. She was beautiful and classy. I will not watch Home & Family anymore.
Have tried to get back to watching H & F without Christina but just cannot handle her replacement. Debbie always seemed to have a condescending attitude as a guest and she really tried to grab all the attention (watch out Mark). Felt like she was angling to get her own show. I enjoyed the give & take between Christina & Mark.
I think the network made a big mistake Christine and Mark seemed to get along so well together and Christine also just seems to be a home and family person she is so sincere. Debbie is totally acting and seems so fake and I don’t see any chemistry between her and Mark.
I loved watching the show with
I’m not impressed with the new co-host (but, I really, really, really like Christine). While I have Hallmark on 24/7, I have not watched Home & Family since Christine left. I liked the play between Christine and Mark and because I didn’t see it between Debbie and Mark, I havent’ watched it since the first week she was on.
Wow she was wonderful and so funny.I looked forward to the show everyday.NOT the same without her.